The Effect of Vibration and Cold on Pain and Anxiety Associated With Chest Tube Removal Following CABG

Summary

Removal of chest tubes after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery can cause severe pain and anxiety, which may negatively affect the recovery process. Integrating non-pharmacological methods into nursing care can help manage pain and anxiety safely and effectively.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of vibration therapy and vibration combined with cold application on pain and anxiety during chest tube removal. The study used a partial single-blind, randomized controlled experimental design. The research was carried out between September 2024 and June 2025 in a Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital. A total of 93 patients who met the study criteria and agreed to participate were included. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a vibration group, a vibration plus cold application group, or a control group that received standard care.

Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and anxiety levels were measured using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I). Measurements were taken six times: before chest tube removal, during the procedure, and after removal.

The results showed that vibration therapy significantly reduced pain and anxiety during chest tube removal. Patients who received vibration combined with cold application experienced further reductions in pain and anxiety and showed more stable vital signs. Patients in the vibration-only group reported higher satisfaction with the intervention.

In conclusion, vibration therapy is a safe, effective, and feasible nursing intervention for reducing pain and anxiety during chest tube removal after CABG surgery. Adding cold application to vibration enhances the effectiveness of the intervention. Based on these findings, integrating vibration therapy into nursing care is recommended, and combining it with cold application may be considered when clinically appropriate.

Conditions

• Pain, Procedural
• Pain, Postoperative
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
• Chest Tubes

Interventions

DEVICE

Vibration device

Vibracool vibration device from Pain Care Labs was used. In another research group, the vibration device was combined with cold gel.

OTHER

Vibration device&Cold application pack

Pain Care Labs' Vibracool vibration device and cold gel pack will be used.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dr. Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Oyku Kara, PhD · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-09-30

Primary Completion

2025-06-30

Completion

2025-12-15

FDA Device

Yes

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations