New study tests if your heart and eyes reveal hidden surgery nerves
NCT ID NCT04154410
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether heart rate variability and pupil reflexes can objectively measure anxiety before surgery. Researchers monitored 71 day-case surgery patients using a finger sensor and a portable pupilometer before, during, and after a small needle insertion. The goal was to see if these physical signs could reliably tell anxious from non-anxious patients, potentially offering a more accurate way to assess pre-operative anxiety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple, objective way to measure anxiety before surgery without relying on patient self-reports.
What could go wrong
This is a small observational study with only 71 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The measures may not be accurate enough to replace standard anxiety assessments.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Cochin Hospital, APHP
Paris, France, 75014, France