Guided Meditation as an Adjunct to Enhance Postoperative Recovery

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study involving 30 adult patients undergoing
cardiac surgery. Investigators will test the feasibility of implementing a meditation program
in the perioperative period. Patients will be randomized to one of three groups: those who
complete Isha Kriya (IK) meditation before and after surgery, those who complete
postoperative IK meditation only, and those who receive the standard of care with no
meditation intervention. In addition to testing feasibility, the investigators will explore
whether a meditation program can affect recovery after surgery. Patients enrolled will be
followed postoperatively for up to one month to assess their cognitive function, pain, and
sleep. Blood will also be collected for analysis of biomarkers of inflammation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older

2. Undergoing any of the following types of cardiac surgery: CABG with or without valve
surgery (aortic and/or mitral); isolated valve surgery; isolated aortic surgery

3. Surgery scheduled for at least 14 days after enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Urgent and/or emergent surgery

2. Non-English speaking

3. Cognitive impairment as defined by total MoCA score < 10

4. Baseline DASS-21 depression score >10

5. Pre-existing history of psychiatric illness as documented in the medical record or
divulged in history taking in pre-enrollment patient interview, such as anxiety,
depression, or bipolar disorder

6. History of cerebrovascular accident or recent history (< 3 months) of seizures

7. History of dementia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or other forms of
cognitive decline

8. Current use of cognition enhancing drugs

9. Current management for chronic pain

10. Currently enrolled in another interventional study that could impact the primary
outcome, as determined by the PI

11. Educational attainment below high school level or equivalent

12. Significant visual impairment