Can a steady drip of local anesthetic speed recovery after open-heart surgery?

This trial tests whether a continuous infusion of the local anesthetic ropivacaine, delivered through small catheters placed near the breastbone, can improve recovery after cardiac surgery. The study focuses on patients at higher risk of respiratory complications, such as older adults, those with obesity, or those with chronic bronchitis. The goal is to see if better pain control can help patients cough, breathe deeply, and move earlier, potentially reducing lung complications and shortening hospital stays.