Medical Procedures Research Articles

Effectiveness and Safety of Medical Abortion with Mifepristone and Sublingual Misoprostol up to 63 Days of Gestation

Background: The use of medical abortion increases among unplanned pregnant women. The primary objective of this study is to assess the outcomes of using a combination of Mifepristone followed by sublingual Misoprostol for the termination of pregnancy up to 63 gestational days. The secondary objectives were identifying significant factors that contribute to an increased rate of incomplete abortions resulting in surgical intervention and evaluating the safety of this medical procedure. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Siriraj Hospital, a tertiary care center in Thailand, from July 2021 to December 2023. Women were given 200 mg of oral Mifepristone at the clinic, followed by self-administration of 800 μg of sublingual Misoprostol at home 36–48 hours later. A follow-up visit was scheduled approximately 14 days later to confirm the outcome of the procedure. Demographic and medical data were collected from medical records and subsequently analyzed. The primary outcome was defined as the success of the procedure, indicated by complete abortion without the need for surgical intervention. Secondary outcomes included assessing side effects and complications following medication administration, as well as identifying factors associated with an increased rate of incomplete abortions. Results: The final analysis included follow-up data from 205 women. Medical abortion was successful in 70.7% (145 out of 205) of cases, with no ongoing pregancies recorded. No serious side effects or complications were detected. Diarrhea and chills were the most commonly observed side effects. The study found that women with a history of previous abortions and those experiencing significantly heavier bleeding after the procedure were at a higher risk of incomplete abortion, requiring surgical aspiration. Conclusions: The regimen of oral Mifepristone followed by sublingual Misoprostol for medical termination of pregnancy is effective and safe through 63 days of gestation. A history of previous abortion and experiencing heavier bleeding after the procedure were identified as risk factors for incomplete abortion.

Investigation of mechanical properties on functionally graded material reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets for biomedical applications

ABSTRACT This research focuses on the mechanical characterization of FG material graded with Graphene nano-platelets (GPLs) in the transverse direction. Different weight percentages of GPL (0–2 wt. %) were incorporated into epoxy resin for manufacturing the FGM using a simple casting method and the effects were analyzed. This paper aims to enhance the material’s performance, especially focusing on its potential use in biomedical tools. Mechanical tests including assessment on tensile, flexural, impact strength, and microhardness demonstrated substantial improvement in strength and stiffness as compared to other nanocomposite structures. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis which hint at the strong chemical interaction and physical association of GPL nanofiller with the epoxy resin. Thermal analysis was conducted using the Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) test, which revealed enhanced thermal stability of the FG specimen with a higher glass transition temperature than other carbon nanofillers mixed in epoxy resin. This is advantageous for the FG material to maintain its glassy state, maintaining safety and reliability during high-temperature medical applications. All these findings indicate that the proposed FG-GPL material possesses the necessary mechanical properties, suggesting that customized nanofiller integration could lead to significant advancements in medical procedures, such as in vivo stomach biopsy treatments, drug delivery systems, etc. The material also meets specific anatomical requirements and reduces the risk of malfunction, thereby ensuring patient safety as justified by current experimental investigations.

EFFECT OF AYURVEDA TREATMENT MODALITY IN IMPROVING CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: A CASE REPORT

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition augmenting over years, entailing loss of kidney functions, affecting more than 10% of the general population worldwide. The solution of choice is either kidney transplantation or blood purification treatments such as hemodialysis (HD). Such medical procedures are expensive & arduous for the patients, adversely impacting their quality of life. Hence alternative treatment modalities are copiously perceived seeking restoration. In the present study, 50 year-old female patient approached the hospital OPD for consultation with complaints of weakness, constipation, reduced appetite, weight loss, breathlessness etc. Patient was advised Ayurveda treatment along with dietary restriction. After 2 months of treatment significant improvement was seen, there was a gradual decrease in Serum Creatinine levels from 6.05 mg/dl to 2.20 mg/dl, Blood Urea levels from 80mg/dl to 64mg/dl and Uric acid levels from 4.4mg/dl to 3.0 mg/dl .The case clearly reveals the noteworthiness of Ayurveda treatment modality in the management of CKD.

Analysis of ST segment alarms in children admitted to the paediatric and cardiac intensive care units and cardiac progressive care unit: a single-centre retrospective study.

ST segment monitoring in the adult population allows for the early detection of myocardial ischaemia. In children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), cardiac intensive care unit (CICU), and cardiac progressive care unit (CPCU), it is unclear if continuous ST segment alarm monitoring is necessary in all patients. All patients admitted to the PICU, CICU, and CPCU during the study period were included. Children with any ST segment alarms were compared with those without an alarm during their stay. The electrocardiogram confirmed true ST segment alarms were compared with all other ST segment alarms. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the medical record. Medical interventions and procedures occurring around ST segment alarms were recorded for multivariable analysis assessing for the association of true ST segment. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations with ST segment alarms during hospital stays. ST segment alarms occurred in 36% of hospital stays, and only 3.4% were considered true. True alarms were significantly more common among patients with a cardiac-related diagnosis, located in both cardiac units, and having received an intervention with any vasoactive medication. In the multivariable logistic regression, patients 11 years or older, hypotension, supraventricular tachycardia, and initiation/escalation of any vasoactive were independently associated with a true ST segment alarm. True ST segment alarms were infrequent, occurring in 1.2% of stays during the study period. Alarm monitoring may be beneficial in those with an underlying cardiac diagnosis.

Investigating the relationship between health and gender equality: What role do maternal, reproductive, and sexual health services play?

Examining the causal nexus between health services and gender equality is of paramount significance in policy formulation and academic inquiry. This paper concentrates on maternal, sexual, and reproductive health, offering a critical narrative review of empirical research exploring the causal relationship between enhanced women's health, stemming from either overall healthcare amelioration or specific interventions, and broader gender equality objectives. A conceptual framework is devised to elucidate the causal pathways between health and gender equality across various dimensions. The final review encompasses 30 empirical papers, revealing both direct and indirect effects of improved maternal, reproductive, and sexual health outcomes on labour participation and educational investment, with fertility decisions and autonomy serving as primary intermediary factors. Evidence predominantly indicates that interventions like contraception, family planning, and abortion policies yield enduring effects beyond health, influencing reproductive choices. Specific medical procedures, such as caesarean deliveries and sterilization, also impact fertility and labour market outcomes. Furthermore, public healthcare infrastructure contributes to combating gender-based violence by facilitating incident reporting and access to protection. Recognizing, documenting, and monitoring these co-benefits arising from improved women's health are pivotal for delineating future health sector priorities and advancing the global gender equality and sustainable development agenda.

Illness cognitions and parental stress symptoms following a child's cancer diagnosis.

This research aims to explore parents' cognitive beliefs, specifically illness cognitions, in response to their children being diagnosed with cancer. This study is an initial step toward providing regular psychosocial assessment as a standard for psychosocial care for children with cancer and their families in Latvia. Data were collected from 120 parents (mostly mothers, n = 109) as an initial evaluation of the psychosocial risks faced by families participating in the support program "Holistic and Multidisciplinary Support for Children with Functional Disabilities and Their Family Members," which was managed by the Children's Hospital Foundation at the Children's Clinical University Hospital in Riga (Latvia) from 2020 to 2023. The patients comprised 66 boys and 54 girls (M age = 7.1, SD = 4.7, range: 0-17 years) with diverse cancer diagnoses. The parents completed the Latvian version of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool [adapted from PAT 3.1], with five subscales included in the data analysis (Social Support, Child Problems, Family Problems, Stress Reactions, and Family Beliefs). The Family Belief subscale was adjusted specifically to address the unique objectives and research questions of the current study. Significant correlations were found between children's psychological problems (e.g., getting upset about medical procedures, hyperactivity, excessive use of electronic devices, etc.) and parental stress reactions after diagnosis and with self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. The associations were statistically significant, even after controlling for sociodemographic and medical factors such as diagnosis. The relationship between children's problems and parental stress reactions was partly mediated by Family Beliefs about illness. The most informative beliefs associated with parental stress symptoms and the family's psychosocial risk level were identified, and significant results were found according to the main component of beliefs (catastrophic vs. optimistic) that explained 42% of the variance in the Family Beliefs subscale. Understanding the habitual responses to stress and identifying the thinking patterns of parents that lead to distorted views and maladaptive coping are essential for customizing personalized interventions to enhance treatment compliance. The Latvian version of PAT is a useful psychosocial screening measure in pediatric oncology settings.

Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship between Hospital Perception and Fear of Medical Procedures in Children

Aim: This study investigated the relationship between children's hospital perceptions, their fear of medical procedures, and the role of emotional intelligence as a potential mediator. Material and Method: The population of the research consists of 4th grade students (10-year-old students) studying in primary schools in the 2023-2024 academic year. The study included 343 students and employed a relational-cross-sectional-descriptive design. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Medical Procedure Fear Scale, Hospital Perception Scale for Healthy Children, and Ten-Year-Old Emotional Intelligence Scale. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS V23 and IBM AMOS V24. Compliance with normal distribution was examined with the assumption of skewness, kurtosis, and multiple normality. Path analysis was used to test the mediator model, and Maximum Likelihood (ML) was used as the calculation method. Analysis results were presented as frequency (percentage) for categorical variables, mean±standard deviation, and median (minimum–maximum) for quantitative variables. The significance level was taken as p

Hamlet and Inoculation

ABSTRACT This article surveys Shakespeare’s biopolitical thought, with a focus on the semantic feature of “inoculat[ion]” in Hamlet. Today, the word “inoculation” means a way to produce artificial immunity by inserting a pathogenic material taken from an external entity through a small incision. This medical procedure, widely practiced in the eighteenth century, is called inoculation because it was like grafting—mixing one body with another. By using “inoculat[ion]” as a rhetorical device, Hamlet explores the politics of immunity before the dawn of modern immunology. Shakespeare’s work negotiates legal and medical thoughts on immunity: in particular, Hamlet is an intriguing text because it balances two different features of immunity, signifying at once juridical exception (as a signature of sovereign authority) and the negative protection of a body (through the metaphor of corpus politicum). Like the metaphor of inoculation (i.e. grafting), a practice that needs the other’s body, Hamlet shows that the body politic can be secured only when the realm elects the same invading foreign entity. In Shakespeare’s early modern imagination, immunity is not a strict boundary between self and non-self; rather, it is a much more negotiable boundary open to alterity and creaturely existences.

Infectious Diseases-Approved Virtual Reality Goggles for Common Procedures in Pediatric Surgical Patients.

Background/Objective: Virtual reality (VR) technology has been reported as effective in mitigating fear, anxiety, and pain in children undergoing various medical procedures. Our aim was to test the effectiveness of non-sponge-coated mobile phone-operated VR goggles approved by infectious diseases (ID) control in pediatric surgical patients. Methods: A prospective randomized trial in which pre-procedural and post-procedural heart rate, fear, and anxiety, and post-procedural pain were measured in pediatric surgical patients assigned to receive standard care versus standard care and VR goggles. The patients underwent line insertions, peripheral venipunctures for blood draws, drain removals, and wound care. Results: The control group and the intention-to-treat group were each randomly assigned twenty-four patients. Since eight patients who received VR goggles removed them prior to completion of the procedure, the study group included sixteen patients. In the study group, heart rate, fear, and anxiety scores were significantly lower after the procedure as compared to prior to the procedure. In the control group, these parameters were similar before and after the procedure. Post-procedural decrease in fear and anxiety was significant when comparing VR to control. However, despite better post-procedural physiological and emotional scores in the VR group as compared to control, the differences were not statistically significant. Pre-procedural anxiety was significantly higher in the study group. Conclusions: ID-approved VR goggles can reduce fear and anxiety associated with procedures commonly performed in pedicatric surgical patients. However, since increased baseline anxiety might be associated with VR, a higher benefit might be achieved if goggles were worn only by children who express a clear desire to use them.

An unknown situs viscerum inversus totalis, accidentally discovered after computed tomography

Benign situs inversus totalis of the viscerum is often diagnosed accidentally, rarely in adults, and more frequently in children and neonates, affecting both sexes. In this report, a young female patient accidentally discovered a situs inversus totalis after computed tomography for acute abdominal pain. In this uncommon anatomical abnormality, the major visceral organs are reversed in the opposite direction. This report highlights the importance of being aware of and considering situs inversus in clinical practice, particularly when interpreting imaging findings and planning medical procedures. This is critical for differential diagnosis and comorbidities that may affect those patients. The cause of situs inversus totalis is still unknown; however, this condition is frequently asymptomatic, particularly in infants, and is sometimes associated with other syndromes. The patient arrived at the emergency department with left flank pain, nausea, and fever. In the first ultrasonography, a strange anatomy was suspected; thus, a contrasted computed tomography was performed. The patient had never had a computed tomography scan before. The identification of situs inversus totalis was unexpected and coincidental; the computed tomography images were carefully examined. In patients with chest or abdominal pain, clinicians may consider situs inversus totalis based on computed tomography, particularly if without clinical and imaging history. This knowledge can help in the differential diagnosis, avoiding unneeded interventions. Moreover, comorbidities that affect several systems, particularly cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, affect quite a few patients with situs inversus totalis, who require careful examination and lifelong monitoring.

Psychosocial Support for Parents, Infants, Children, and Adolescents with Variations of Sex Characteristics: Results from a Pan-European Survey.

Early psychosocial support for parents/legal guardians who have children with variations of sex characteristics (VSCs) is crucial in helping avoid potentially harmful medical procedures. Psychosocial support, including peer support, can help parents/legal guardians choose the best care path for their child, and it remains important throughout childhood. However, there is a lack of data on the provision of psychosocial support for families with a child who has VSCs. We sought knowledge about the timing and types of psychosocial support, and the level of implementation of psychosocial support amongst health and psychosocial care professionals and peer supporters. A survey was conducted using a purposive sample of healthcare professionals and members of peer support groups across Europe. A total of 301 responses were received and analysed using descriptive and inferential methods. The survey results showed that psychosocial support primarily addresses diagnostic procedures, medical treatment, and medical interventions. Whilst the majority of healthcare professionals aspired to have psychosocial support provided at the point where a diagnosis of VSCs was suspected, this was only reported as current practice by a minority of respondents. Overall, the survey indicates that there is a need for greater implementation of psychosocial support, and more collaboration between healthcare professionals and peer support groups in caring for children with VSCs and their families.

Zygomaticofacial foramen in dry adult human skulls: a morphological study.

A wide range of medical procedures in the zygomatic region in maxillofacial surgery, implantology, and aesthetic medicine requires a detailed study of the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) due to the high risk of damage to its contents during manipulation.This study aimed to estimate the shape, diameter, and location of ZFF and their relationships with anatomical landmarks. A studywas conductedon 53 dry adult human skulls. Standard morphometric measurementswere takenusing sliding calipers.The number, diameter, shape, and location of ZFF were notedon both sides, andthe distances between the ZFF and surrounding anatomical landmarks were measured.Conventional statistical methods were usedto evaluate the data. Out of 106 sides, no ZFFwas noticedin 2.8%, one foramen was found in 40.6%, two foramina were found in 39.6%, threein 10.4%, four in 4.7%, andfive in 1.9%. The vertical diameter was 0.98 ± 0.35 mm, while the transverse diameter was 0.87 ± 0.31 mm. The shape of the ZFF was oval in 67%, round in 26.2%, semilunar in 4.9%, and irregular in 1.9%. The distance from the ZFF to the infraorbital margin was 6.63 ± 2.09 mm, tothe frontozygomatic suture was 26.24 ± 3.49 mm, tothe zygomaticomaxillarysuture,was 19.75 ± 3.55 mm, tothe zygomaticotemporal suture was 22.31 ± 3.98 mm and, to the most prominent point of the zygomatic bone was 8.03 ± 2.64 mm. The variations in the number and location of ZFF mustbe consideredwhile performing regional blockanesthesia,and surgical or aesthetic procedures in the zygomatic region.

Sedated beauty: The invisible knife in online narratives about cosmetic breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation is a prevalent cosmetic surgery procedure among women in Western societies, and the cosmetic surgery market has witnessed substantial growth. Today, websites and online forums are platforms that feature discussions about cosmetic procedures. A genre on surgery clinic websites is 'patient stories', but also lay-initiated internet forums facilitate discussions and shared experiences related to cosmetic surgery. This study aims to analyse lay-initiated online narratives about cosmetic breast augmentation. The shared narratives contain descriptions of how women who are about to undergo breast augmentation prepare for surgery, the medical procedures that take place on the day of surgery itself, and the experiences and feelings after waking up after anaesthesia. Employing a structural analysis of 30 of these stories, this research illuminates how the surgery stories adhere to a conventional storytelling format, and how key characters within the stories are 'helpers and makers', including relatives, nurses and surgeons. The focus in these narratives revolves around the woman herself, although her active involvement is primarily observed during the preparation phase, with a more passive role assumed during subsequent clinic routines. Despite instances of pain and discomfort in the narratives, the stories are enveloped in an aura of glamour and a spa-like atmosphere. It is discussed how this 'fairy tale' story, narrating a surgical metamorphosis, seems to align with the popularisation of the cosmetic surgery sector.

Roadmap to success: Blueprint for enterprise-wide deployment of a point-of-care ultrasound platform, inclusive of governance, policy, education, credentialing, and quality assurance.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a cost-effective diagnostic tool that significantly augments physical examinations. Positioned as an extension of traditional examination methods, particularly appealing to the upcoming generation of clinicians, it holds promise in potentially replacing the stethoscope in various medical assessments and procedures. The University of Rochester is deploying 2500 POCUS machines, enhancing compliance for image storage and documentation. Halfway through our 4-year deployment plan, we will discuss our governance structure, educational initiatives, and credentialing strategies. While POCUS adoption has seen organic growth over the past decade, our aim is to implement a comprehensive strategy ensuring adherence to established protocols for image storage and documentation. At present, we have successfully deployed 789 probes, with integration across 64 departments or divisions into our IT platform. Notably, this implementation has resulted in a remarkable 116% increase in hospital charges, underscoring the tangible impact of POCUS integration. However, achieving compliance and education among established providers has proven to be challenging.

The effect of music therapy and breathing exercise on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing coronary angiography: A randomized controlled study.

For over 50 years, music therapy and breathing exercises have been widely utilized as interventions to help individuals cope with fatigue, stress and pain globally. To analyse the effects of music and breathing exercises on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing coronary angiography. This is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised 165 patients: 55 in the control group, 55 in the breathing exercise group and 55 in the music therapy group. Patients in the music group listened to music during angiography, those in the breathing exercise group practised exercises 30 min before the procedure and the control group received standard treatment. Anxiety levels were assessed before and after the procedure, and pain levels were measured post-procedure. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist for reporting randomized trials was used to guide reporting. Anxiety scores rose significantly in the control group from 33.9 ± 4.2 pre-angiography to 37.7 ± 4.9 post-angiography. Conversely, the breathing group's anxiety scores decreased from 34.3 ± 3.5 before angiography to 31.7 ± 1.5 after angiography, and the music group exhibited a reduction from 32.3 ± 3.6 to 30.8 ± 1.6. Post-angiography, the control group reported a mean pain score of 64 ± 0.8 mm, while the breathing and music groups had significantly lower scores of 35 ± 0.6 and 29 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference in pain scores between the intervention and control groups. This study provides support for the beneficial effects of employing breathing exercises and music in alleviating pain and anxiety during coronary angiography procedures. Integrating these findings into clinical practice could be significant for improving patients' pain experiences and anxiety, enhancing the tolerance of invasive medical procedures.

Navigating Regulatory requirements for Stem Cells Therapy- A review on Regulations of US, European Union, Japan and India

Regenerative medicine is an emerging branch of medicine holding tremendous power to cure in contrary to conventional treatment. Stem cells being at forefront of regenerative medicines holds unprecedented capability of self-renewal and cell differentiation, where this capability is the sole of the stem cell therapy. The cell therapy works by replacing the injured and collapsed cells with the regenerative ones in a chronic condition. But as there are always accompanying downsides with every benefit in this case it’s the ethical consideration, risk and cost associated to the usage and treatment. This review article aims to analyze the status of both stem cell therapy and research by outlining the regulatory landscape for developing, manufacturing and conducting of stem cell therapy in the countries namely US, EU, Japan and India in a comparative mode. The unethical and unproven stem cell tourism happening worldwide will also be highlighted in this review. In the realm of life-threatening medical procedures, addressing regulatory loopholes is a matter of utmost importance. The need for well-coordinated, robust, and meticulously enforced regulations cannot be overstated. These comprehensive regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in ensuring that scientific advancements in this domain are conducted with the highest levels of safety and ethical integrity

Medical Procedures - Comforting Your Child

Medical Procedures - Comforting Your Child

Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to prevent healthcare-associated bacterial infections.

SUMMARYHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a burden for public health with a high prevalence and high death rates associated with them. Pathogens with a high potential for antimicrobial resistance, such as ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) and Clostridioides difficile, are responsible for most HAIs. Despite the implementation of infection prevention and control intervention, globally, HAIs prevalence is stable and they are mainly due to endogenous pathogens. It is undeniable that complementary to infection prevention and control measures, prophylactic approaches by active or passive immunization are needed. Specific groups at-risk (elderly people, chronic condition as immunocompromised) and also healthcare workers are key targets. Medical procedures and specific interventions are known to be at risk of HAIs, in addition to hospital environmental exposure. Vaccines or monoclonal antibodies can be seen as attractive preventive approaches for HAIs. In this review, we present an overview of the vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in clinical development for prevention of the major bacterial HAIs pathogens. Based on the current state of knowledge, we look at the challenges and future perspectives to improve prevention by these means.

Pathogen-induced diseases of the spinal cord and adjacent structures

Pathogen-induced myelitis is an inflammatory disease of the spinal cord that can be caused by various pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. The most frequent viral pathogens include herpes and enteroviruses, while bacterial myelitis can be caused by, e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Borrelia burgdorferi and Treponema pallidum. Fungi such as Candida and Aspergillus and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and schistosomes can also cause myelitis. The main symptom is subacute paraplegia with motor, sensory and autonomic deficits to varying degrees, often accompanied by fever and ageneral malaise. Following athorough clinical examination and review of the medical history diagnostic imaging procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with cerebrospinal fluid analysis and blood tests that include antibody testing are warranted. The treatment is directed at the cause of the myelitis and mostly with anti-infective agents but for some viral pathogens no specific treatment is available and the only option is asymptomatic treatment. The prognosis is very variable and depends on the etiology and severity of the disease. Afast diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial to achieve agood outcome.

Effects of Digital Picture Books on Young Children Undergoing Cardiac Catheterisation and Their Family Caregivers: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

To assess the impact of digital picture books on preoperative anxiety, pain and sleep quality in young children undergoing cardiac catheterisation and the anxiety of their family caregivers. A randomised, single-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial. Participants are young children aged 2-7 years with congenital heart disease scheduled for cardiac catheterisation and their family caregivers. They were enrolled at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between September 2022 and July 2023. They were randomised to either a control group receiving usual care or an intervention group receiving digital picture book sessions. Anxiety and pain levels were assessed using standardised scales, and sleep quality was measured using actigraphy. The study included 64 pairs of young children and family caregivers. Digital picture books significantly reduced preoperative anxiety and bandage removal pain in children and anxiety in family caregivers. However, there was no statistical difference in sleep quality between the intervention group and the control group. Digital picture books prove to be an effective intervention for reducing anxiety and pain in paediatric cardiac catheterisation patients and anxiety of their family caregivers. The intervention did not affect sleep quality, suggesting the need for additional strategies to address this aspect of the hospital experience. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of digitally illustrated books in reducing preoperative anxiety and pain in young children and anxiety in family caregivers. Digital picture books offer a creative and engaging way to help children and their families cope with the stress and anxiety associated with medical procedures. Further research in this area may lead to the development of more innovative and effective interventions for paediatric patients and their family caregivers. The study's impact lies in its innovative approach to addressing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by young children and their family caregivers during the stressful experience of cardiac catheterisation. By demonstrating the efficacy of digital picture books in significantly reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, the research presents a non-pharmacological, accessible and engaging intervention that can be seamlessly integrated into existing healthcare practices. The findings have the potential to transform paediatric care by offering a safe, developmentally appropriate and cost-effective method to support the emotional well-being of children and their families, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience and clinical outcomes. Moreover, the study's emphasis on family caregiver involvement underscores the importance of a holistic approach to care that considers the needs of both the patient and their support system. Children and their family caregivers were invited to provide valuable input which has been critical to the development of the intervention. The participant information sheet and consent form, as well as the consent/recruitment process, were reviewed by a consumer advisor advocate from the pilot study. CONSORT. Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR2200063973. Registered on 22 September 2022, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=132833.