New nerve block could spare teens from opioids after chest surgery

NCT ID NCT07288424

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Qin Zhang Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a new nerve block technique to control pain after NUSS surgery for teens with pectus excavatum. Seventeen adolescents received ultrasound-guided injections to numb the chest area, aiming to avoid opioid painkillers. Researchers measured pain scores over 72 hours to see if this approach could be a safe, effective alternative.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: nerve block (ultrasound-guided bilateral transverse thoracic fascia block and intercostal nerve block with bupivacaine liposome)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a safe, opioid-free way to manage severe pain after chest surgery in teens, reducing opioid risks.
What could go wrong: This was a very small study (17 participants) with no comparison group, so results may not apply widely. The nerve block technique requires skill and may not work for everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

pectus excavatum

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NERVE BLOCK

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China

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