Heart surgery pain study pulled before it began

NCT ID NCT04788056

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study aimed to see if a nerve block called a parasternal subpectoral plane block could reduce pain and the need for opioids after heart surgery. It planned to compare a numbing medicine (bupivacaine) to a saltwater placebo in about 100 adults having elective heart surgery. However, the study was withdrawn before enrolling any participants, so no results are available.

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 it had worked, this could have pointed toward a way to reduce pain and opioid use after heart surgery.

What could go wrong

The study was withdrawn before it started, so no results are available. Even if conducted, it was a small early-stage trial, and the nerve block might not have worked better than a placebo.

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 PAIN, POSTOPERATIVE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.