New pain block combo may cut opioid use after heart surgery

This study tested whether adding a second nerve block (rectus sheath block) to a standard chest wall block (pectointercostal fascial plane block) improves pain control after heart surgery. 62 adults having elective heart surgery through a breastbone incision were randomly assigned to receive either the standard block alone or the standard block plus the extra block. The goal was to see if the combination reduces pain scores, lowers opioid painkiller use, and improves breathing recovery in the first 24-48 hours after surgery.