Could a simple pill before heart surgery ease pain and cut opioid use?

NCT ID NCT07221617

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

Summary

This study compares giving methadone as a pill before heart surgery versus through an IV during surgery. Researchers want to see which method reduces pain and the amount of extra opioids needed in the days after surgery. About 100 adults having planned heart surgery will take part. The goal is to find a better way to manage post-surgery pain.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Methadone

What this could lead to

If it works, this could give doctors a simpler, effective way to manage pain after heart surgery and reduce the need for other opioids.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study (100 people) comparing two forms of the same drug, so any benefit may be modest. Methadone can cause side effects like slow breathing or heart rhythm changes.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic in Rochester

    RECRUITING

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

    Contact