New device reads heartbeats to detect pain in silent patients

NCT ID NCT05454202

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Hospital, Lille Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANALGESIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

ANALGESIA END OF LIFE PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hop Cardiologique Chu Lille

Lille, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.