Nerve blocks may cut opioid use after Open-Heart surgery
NCT ID NCT04985500
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026
Summary
This study compares two types of nerve blocks—erector spinae plane (ESP) block and pecto-intercostal fascial (PIF) block—against standard care for controlling pain after heart surgery through the breastbone. About 225 adults aged 18–85 having planned cardiac surgery with a sternotomy will be randomly assigned to receive one of the blocks or no block. The main goal is to see if the blocks reduce opioid painkiller use and pain scores in the first 72 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
What this could lead to
If successful, these nerve blocks could become a standard way to control pain after heart surgery, reducing the need for opioids.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with a modest number of participants. The blocks may not provide significant pain relief over standard care, and there is a small risk of local anesthetic toxicity.
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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.
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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital
New York, New York, 10025, United States