Virtual reality may turn a scary thyroid biopsy into a calmer experience
NCT ID NCT06792929
First seen Aug 11, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 5 times
Summary
This trial tests whether wearing a virtual reality headset showing an underwater nature scene with relaxing music can reduce pain, anxiety, and fear in people undergoing a thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The biopsy is a standard but sometimes uncomfortable procedure used to check suspicious thyroid nodules. Half of the 100 participants will use VR during the procedure, while the other half will receive standard care. The study measures pain before and after the biopsy, along with anxiety and fear of pain.
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 displaying an immersive underwater nature video with relaxing music
- What this could lead to
- If effective, virtual reality could become a simple, drug-free way to ease discomfort during thyroid biopsies and similar procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, and results may not apply to all patients. Some people may not find VR helpful or may experience side effects like dizziness.
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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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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100 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Finished
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Apr 2025
- 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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18 years and older
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a suspected thyroid nodule scheduled to undergo ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. * No history of dizziness or vestibular disorders. * No visual impairment that would interfere with the use of a virtual reality headset. Exclusion Criteria: • Cognitive impairment or psychiatric conditions that would interfere with study participation or the use of a virtual reality headset.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Gaziantep City Hospital
Gaziantep, South East, 27100, Turkey (Türkiye)
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