New pain block may stop chronic ache after heart surgery
NCT ID NCT05920967
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at 562 adults having minimally invasive heart surgery to see if adding a long-acting steroid (dexamethasone palmitate) to a nerve block could prevent chronic pain better than a standard steroid. Participants received a one-time injection followed by a continuous pain pump. The goal was to reduce pain that lasts months after surgery.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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562 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2023
- Finished
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Oct 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. NYHA class I-III 2. 18 years to 65 years 3. Undergoing intercostal incision cardiac surgery Exclusion Criteria: 1. Urgent surgery 2. BMI≧35kg/m\^2 3. Non-first cardiac surgery 4. Local anesthetic allergy 5. Skin damage or infection at the puncture site 6. Dysfunction of liver, kidney and blood coagulation 7. Previously had chronic pains
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Xijing Hospital
Xi'an, 710032, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Could a single surgical drug spare seniors from chronic pain?
- Heart surgery patients: how many suffer chronic pain?
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- Which painkiller strategy stops chronic pain after open heart surgery?
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