Recruiting

Using Music to Reduce Pain and Anxiety During Heart Rhythm Ablation

Plain-English translation of NCT06953752 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether listening to music during a catheter ablation procedure—a minimally invasive treatment for atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm)—can help reduce anxiety and pain. Some patients receive their choice of music (classical, pop, rock, or jazz) played during the procedure, while others receive standard care without music. Researchers hope this simple, medication-free approach may help patients feel calmer and more comfortable during treatment.

Atrial fibrillation ablation is typically performed while patients are awake but lightly sedated, and many people experience significant anxiety and pain during the procedure. While doctors currently use sedating medications and pain relievers to help, these drugs can have side effects—especially for older patients or those with heart disease. Music therapy has shown promise in other medical settings, so researchers want to know if this medication-free approach could improve comfort and reduce the need for extra drugs during heart rhythm procedures.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have atrial fibrillation and are scheduled for your first catheter ablation procedure at this hospital
you are willing to participate and able to sign an informed consent form
you can hear and understand the study instructions without difficulty

You likely don't qualify if…

you have an active psychiatric condition that requires medication
you have had any heart surgery or cardiac procedures before
you have taken sedative or pain relief medications in the past 30 days
you have complex heart anatomy or structural issues that would make you need general anesthesia instead of conscious sedation
you are having additional procedures performed at the same time as your ablation

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you will undergo the standard catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation under light sedation. If you are randomly assigned to the music group, you will select your preferred music genre (classical, pop, rock, or jazz) and listen to it at a comfortable volume during your procedure. Both groups receive the same medical care and sedation; the only difference is whether music plays during the treatment. The procedure itself takes a few hours, and you should be able to go home the same day.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov