Nerve block keeps patients still during heart procedure, cuts pain and drug use

This study tested whether an ultrasound-guided belly muscle nerve block (TAP block) can reduce pain and movement during a minimally invasive heart valve replacement (TAVI). Fifty adults having elective TAVI received either the block plus sedation or sedation alone. The goal was to see if the block improves patient comfort, reduces the need for extra pain medicine, and helps the procedure go smoothly.