Freezing nerves vs. nerve block: which eases heart surgery pain better?

NCT ID NCT06086535

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested two methods to control pain after heart surgery done through a small cut in the chest. One method freezes the nerves between the ribs during surgery, and the other injects a numbing medicine near those nerves after surgery. The goal was to see which approach provides better pain relief and reduces the chance of long-term nerve pain. The study included 63 adults who had heart surgery through a minithoracotomy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Ropivacaine

What this could lead to

If one method works better, it could lead to better pain control after heart surgery with less need for strong painkillers.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 63 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and both methods carry risks like nerve damage or infection.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Susana González Suárez

    Barcelona, Catalonia, 08035, Spain