Bilateral superficial parasternal intercostal plane block vs erector spinae plane block for heart surgery
Official title: Analgesic Efficacy of Bilateral Ultrasound Guided Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Corrective Cardiac Surgeries - A Randomized Controlled Study
Run by Cairo University · NCT06958120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In children with congenital heart disease, this study tests whether two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks used with fentanyl can better control pain after heart surgery than the other block.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Months to 4 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06958120 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children undergoing corrective congenital heart surgeries with midline sternotomy who fall into RACHS-1 categories 1–3 or redo surgeries.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia, coagulopathy, severe pulmonary hypertension, preoperative mechanical ventilation, or allergy to study drugs may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques used during corrective congenital heart surgery with midline sternotomy. Group A uses a bilateral superficial parasternal intercostal plane block with a fentanyl infusion, while Group B uses a bilateral erector spinae plane block with the same fentanyl protocol. Both blocks use a mixed local anesthetic solution given at 0.4 mL/kg per side. The trial records intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative pain to determine which block provides superior analgesia and stability. Eligible participants undergo RACHS-1 categories 1–3 surgeries, including redo operations, with specific exclusions for contraindications to regional anesthesia or significant comorbidities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred block could improve postoperative pain control and hemodynamic stability after congenital heart surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous regional anesthesia approaches have shown pain reduction in pediatric cardiac surgery, but direct comparison of these two blocks in this setting remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * RACHS-1: Categories 1, 2 and 3 * Patients undergoing corrective cardiac surgeries with midline sternotomy incision. * Redo surgeries. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients whose parents or legal guardians refuse to participate. * Preoperative mechanical ventilation. * Preoperative inotropic drug infusion. * Coagulopathy. * Allergy to any of the studied drugs. * Severe pulmonary hypertension (\> 70 mmHg).
Where it's running
-
Abu Al reesh hospital
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Reham Mahrous, MD
- Email: dr_memoo2003@hotmail.com
- Phone: +201006211832
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.