Heart surgery without morphine: safer or not?

NCT ID NCT04940689

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether avoiding morphine during heart surgery could reduce common complications like breathing problems, confusion, and gut issues. 268 adults having planned heart surgery were randomly assigned to receive either standard morphine-based anesthesia or a combination of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine. The researchers tracked major complications in the first 48 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

Dexmedetomidine and lidocaine (instead of morphine)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could lead to safer anesthesia for heart surgery patients, with fewer side effects like breathing trouble or confusion.

What could go wrong

This is a single completed study with 268 people. Results may not apply to all heart surgeries, and the new drugs have their own risks like low blood pressure or slow heart rate.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

coronary artery disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Amiens Univesrity Hospital

    Amiens, France

  • CAEN university Hospital

    Caen, France

  • Lille Hopistal University

    Lille, France

  • Montpellier University Hospital

    Montpellier, France

  • Rouen University Hospital

    Rouen, France, Normandy, 76031, France