Could VR headsets replace sedation for Kids' kidney biopsies?

NCT ID NCT05267704

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether using a virtual reality (VR) headset during a kidney biopsy could help children feel less pain and anxiety, possibly reducing the need for sedation. Thirty-two children aged 5 to 17 used a VR headset showing a game during the procedure. The main goal was to see if patients and parents would recommend VR to others, and to measure changes in anxiety. The study was small and did not compare VR to standard care, so more research is needed.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Virtual reality headset (Oculus Go)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to ease pain and anxiety for children during medical procedures.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early feasibility study with only 32 participants. It did not compare VR directly to standard sedation, so results may not apply broadly.

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 PAIN, PROCEDURAL are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Procedural

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PAIN, PROCEDURAL PROCEDURAL ANXIETY SEDATION COMPLICATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

More trials for these conditions

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