This subset of patients had the worst outcomes in terms of pain, depression, and fatigue. Dr. Oz theorizes that even though these patients were taught a technique that could alleviate some of their pain, they didn't want to take the responsibility for their own state of health. This is important because a decrease in catecholamine release leads to a normalized blood pressure and a decrease in atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a common complication following cardiac surgery, which causes wide fluctuations in blood pressure and prolonged hospital stay. The study will also look at activities of daily living, amount of pain medication needed, and postoperative depression and anxiety.
Hypnosis is only one therapeutic modality under study.
The group is also looking at yoga, therapeutic touch, guided imagery, and music therapy. The Sufis, an ancient sect of Islamic mystics, use music to enter a trance that allows them to spin continuously at about 50 revolutions per minute-a rate that would make anyone else pass out. Dr. Oz would like to translate this inherent power of certain types of music to help patients achieve a state of mind that enhances healing and pain relief. Dr. Oz's approach is certainly unconventional compared with many of his colleagues. But he isn't worried about that.