Virtual Reality Boosts Cardiac Imaging Completion

Patients at UCHealth Southern Region used VR headsets to reduce anxiety during heart scans in a study concluding in March 2026.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Heart Disease

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a virtual reality headset resting on a white platform, representing medical distraction technology. — A study at UCHealth Southern Region demonstrates that virtual reality headsets effectively reduce patient anxiety during cardiac imaging sessions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you feel more comfortable using virtual reality to manage anxiety during a medical imaging procedure?

A study conducted at UCHealth Southern Region found that virtual reality usage during cardiac PET/CT imaging significantly improved patient completion rates. The research, which concluded in March 2026, tracked 105 patients to evaluate the efficacy of VR as a distraction tool.

Why it matters

The intervention directly addresses patient claustrophobia and anxiety, which frequently serve as barriers to completing critical cardiovascular testing. By improving completion rates, the hospital also realized significant operational savings.

In the study of 105 patients, 95% successfully completed their imaging, with 80% wearing the headset for the entire duration. Each completed scan saved approximately $3,000 compared to cancelled appointments.

The players

UCHealth Southern Region

This health system provides medical services across southern Colorado, including specialized cardiac care and imaging facilities in Colorado Springs.

The details

Patients experiencing claustrophobia utilized a virtual reality headset to provide a distraction during their cardiovascular imaging sessions. Researchers observed that 75% of participants reported a positive experience with the device.

Data collection at UCHealth Southern Region occurred from July 2025 to March 2026.
The ACC Quality Summit 2026 took place in Orlando from Sept. 16-18, 2026.

The Big Picture

This study follows a pattern set by the American College of Cardiology's cardiovascular imaging guidelines by seeking to optimize patient engagement during diagnostic procedures. It demonstrates a broader trend of integrating digital therapeutic tools into routine clinical workflows.

Patients prone to anxiety or claustrophobia during medical imaging may find that virtual reality tools offer a more comfortable and manageable experience. These tools can help ensure that necessary diagnostic scans are completed without the need for rescheduling or cancellation.

The takeaway

Using virtual reality as a distraction technique can make stressful medical environments more manageable for patients with claustrophobia. Hospitals may consider similar investments to increase procedural completion rates and reduce the financial burden of cancellations.