Can a Pre-Incision pain pump transform heart surgery recovery?

NCT ID NCT04495504

First seen Aug 07, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether placing thin catheters alongside the breastbone before a heart surgery incision and delivering the numbing drug ropivacaine can reduce pain after the operation. Adults under 85 having planned heart surgery through a sternotomy may receive this continuous local anesthetic for the first 48 hours after surgery. The goal is to see if this method keeps pain scores low and reduces the need for opioid painkillers, potentially improving comfort and shortening recovery.

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 effective, this approach could reduce pain and opioid use after heart surgery, potentially speeding recovery and shortening hospital stays.
What could go wrong
The trial is small and early, so results may not apply broadly. Risks include catheter-related complications or inadequate pain relief.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU Clermont-Ferrand - Service de Chirurgie Cardio-Vasculaire

    Clermont-Ferrand, Puy de Dôme, 63000, France

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