Star projector may replace sedative for Kids' surgery anxiety
NCT ID NCT06144177
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a dark operating room with a star projector on the ceiling can reduce anxiety in children ages 2 to 6 having outpatient surgery. Some children will get this calming environment plus a parent present, others will receive standard anxiety medicine (midazolam) with a parent, and a third group will have only a parent present. Researchers will measure how well each child accepts the anesthesia mask and their anxiety levels before and during the procedure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dark room with star projector
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to reduce fear and improve cooperation in young children before surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial, and the star projector may not work as well as standard anxiety medication. Results may not apply to children with prior surgery or fear of the dark.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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About 240 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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2 to 6 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria * Age 2 to 6 years old * American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II * Outpatient elective surgical procedures * Undergoing general anesthesia * Parent or guardian willing to be present during induction Exclusion Criteria * History of previous surgery * Fear of the dark * Contraindication to inhalational mask induction of general anesthesia such as allergy to inhalation medication, NPO violation, active nausea or vomiting, severe GERD, etc. * Severe developmental delay * Severe obvious, preoperative anxiety * Patients currently using psychiatric medications * Non-English speaking
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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