New pain block could cut opioid use in Kids' heart surgery

NCT ID NCT04577690

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: The Hospital for Sick Children Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a pectoral nerve block (PECS) given before surgery can lower pain and the need for morphine after a heart device implant in children aged 3 to 18. Half the children will get the nerve block plus standard wound numbing, while the other half get only wound numbing. The goal is to see if the nerve block leads to less opioid use and better pain control after the procedure.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: bupivacaine with epinephrine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a better way to manage pain after heart device surgery in children, reducing the need for strong painkillers like morphine.
What could go wrong: This is a small Phase 4 trial with only 48 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The nerve block itself carries rare risks like bleeding or infection.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Postoperative primary interstitial lung disease specific to childhood

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ADOLESCENT CHILD PAIN, POSTOPERATIVE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital for Sick Children
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada

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