New device reads heartbeats to detect pain in silent patients

NCT ID NCT05454202

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a device called ANI that measures heart rate changes to assess comfort in patients who cannot speak, such as those in end-of-life care. Twenty non-communicating patients in a palliative care unit were monitored during a painful procedure. The device's readings were compared to standard pain scores from nurses to see if it could reliably detect discomfort.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ANI monitor (device that measures heart rate variability to assess comfort)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could give doctors a reliable way to check comfort in patients who cannot speak, improving end-of-life care.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early study (20 people) and the device is not yet proven for this specific use. It may not work better than current methods.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia Death Pain pain agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hop Cardiologique Chu Lille

    Lille, France