New pain block could help patients who Can't have epidurals after chest surgery
NCT ID NCT00620490
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a pain relief method for people having chest surgery who cannot get an epidural. Instead, surgeons placed a small tube near the spine to deliver the numbing drug ropivacaine for 48 hours. All patients also received morphine through a pump they control themselves. The goal was to see if this approach reduces pain, lowers morphine use, and causes fewer side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ropivacaine
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a safer pain relief option for patients who cannot receive epidural anesthesia after chest surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The benefit over standard care may be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpitaux Universitaires
Strasbourg, France
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