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Cochin Hospital – Port-Royal · AP-HP · Paris Cité University
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Interventional Radiology Cochin
Cochin Hospital AP-HP AP-HP
Interventional Radiology

Cochin Hospital AP-HP · Paris

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Interventional Radiology›Our specialties›Hypnosis during procedures
Patient comfort: Well-being

Hypnosis in Interventional Radiology - Cochin AP-HP Paris

To improve patient comfort and experience

Quick answer

Hypnosedation combines local anaesthesia and/or light sedation with hypnosis techniques to reduce pain, anxiety and discomfort during a procedure. It is not deep sleep, but a conscious state of relaxation that improves patient comfort.

What is hypnosedation?

Hypnosedation combines the usual medical techniques (local anaesthesia and/or light sedation) with hypnosis methods aimed at reducing the pain, anxiety and discomfort felt during a procedure.

It is not deep sleep, but a state of concentration and relaxation that allows the patient to experience the procedure more calmly.

Why offer hypnosedation?

  • Reduce the pain felt during the procedure
  • Reduce the anxiety and stress linked to the medical procedure
  • Improve the patient's comfort and overall experience
  • Sometimes limit the use of sedative drugs

Clinical study: Its benefit has been scientifically evaluated in our department, with a randomised study showing a significant reduction in pain and anxiety in patients who received hypnosis during interventional radiology procedures.

Which techniques are offered at our centre?

Conversational hypnosis (Ericksonian hypnosis)

  • Performed by our radiographer trained in Ericksonian hypnosis
  • Personalised technique, based on speech, imagination and verbal support
  • Very effective but with limited availability, as it depends on specifically trained staff

Visual and auditory hypnosis

  • Use of immersive relaxation devices (sounds, images, guided scenarios)
  • Available for all procedures, not dependent on staff
  • Reduces anxiety and improves tolerance of the procedure

HypnoVR: medical virtual reality

  • Virtual reality device combining immersive images and audio guidance
  • Usable for a large number of procedures
  • Significantly improves the patient's experience by diverting attention from the medical procedure

Learn more at hypnovr.io →

Music Care: digital music therapy

  • Headphones playing therapeutic music sequences designed to support relaxation during the procedure
  • Simple to use, complementary to hypnosedation or virtual reality depending on the patient's preferences
  • Helps reduce anxiety and the perception of pain around the procedure

Learn more at music.care →

Who is hypnosedation for?

  • Any patient who is anxious or apprehensive about a procedure
  • Patients wanting more comfortable care
  • During procedures performed under local anaesthesia or light sedation

Note: The most suitable technique is offered according to the procedure, availability and the patient's preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Does hypnosis replace local anaesthesia?
No, it is used in addition to the usual local anaesthesia, to reduce anxiety and the perception of pain during the procedure, not to replace it.
Is everyone receptive to hypnosis?
The great majority of patients can benefit from it to varying degrees. No particular preparation is needed; the team adapts the support to each patient.
Do I need training or previous experience of hypnosis to benefit?
No, no previous experience is required. Hypnosedation is guided by a member of the team specifically trained in this practice throughout the procedure.

✅ Cost: Service offered free of charge to our patients as part of their usual care.

Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: July 2026.

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