New nerve block could cut opioid use after heart surgery

NCT ID NCT07232979

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Bursa City Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a modified nerve block called M-TAPA, given before open-heart surgery, can reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers (opioids) afterward. The block is injected under ultrasound guidance near the ribs. Eighty adults having elective open-heart surgery will be randomly assigned to receive either the M-TAPA block plus standard care or standard care alone. The main goal is to see if the block lowers opioid use in the first 24 hours after surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: bupivacaine (a local anesthetic) injected as a nerve block
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a better way to manage pain after open-heart surgery, reducing the need for strong opioids and their side effects.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial (80 people) testing a technique that may not prove effective for all patients. Nerve blocks carry risks like infection or bleeding, though rare.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Acute Pain Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ACUTE PAIN MODIFIED THORACOABDOMINAL NERVE BLOCK THROUGH THE PERICHONDRIAL APPROACH M TAPA OPEN HEART SURGERY POSTOPERATIVE PAIN

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