Freezing nerves during heart surgery may slash opioid use

This study tests a technique called cryoablation, where doctors temporarily freeze nerves in the chest during open-heart surgery. The goal is to see if this reduces pain, helps patients breathe deeper and cough better after surgery, and lowers the need for strong painkillers like opioids. About 100 adults having their first heart surgery will take part, and half will receive the freezing treatment while the other half gets standard care.