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

NCT ID NCT04577690

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.

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 primary interstitial lung disease specific to childhood

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: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Hospital for Sick Children

    RECRUITING

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada

    Contact

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

    Contact

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