Comparing liposomal bupivacaine and regular bupivacaine for pain relief after heart surgery

Liposomal Bupivacaine and Bupivacaine Alone Transverse Thoracic Muscle Plane Blocks in Median Sternotomy: a Prospective, Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Tongji Hospital · NCT06646172

This study is testing whether a new type of pain relief medicine, liposomal bupivacaine, works better than regular bupivacaine for people recovering from heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment38 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorTongji Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wuhan, Hubei)
Trial IDNCT06646172 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the postoperative pain relief effects of liposomal bupivacaine combined with bupivacaine hydrochloride versus bupivacaine hydrochloride alone in patients undergoing median sternotomy. The research aims to provide evidence-based guidance for selecting the most effective local anesthesia for regional blocks in cardiac surgery. By utilizing the Transverse Thoracic Muscle Plane Block (TTMPB) technique, the study seeks to minimize opioid use and its associated side effects, improving patient recovery and quality of life. The trial will include patients aged 18-90 who are classified as ASA Class I to III and are undergoing elective surgeries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 18-90 years undergoing elective median sternotomy with ASA Class I to III.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those undergoing emergency surgeries, re-operations, or those with significant comorbidities affecting anesthesia safety.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing cardiac surgery, reducing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using regional anesthesia techniques, but this specific comparison of liposomal versus regular bupivacaine is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18-90 years;
* ASA Class I \~ III;
* Patients undergoing elective median sternotomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency surgery;
* Re-operation;
* Coagulation dysfunction;
* Preoperative left ventricular function was poor (ejection fraction \<35%);
* Systemic infection or injection site infection;
* Neuromuscular diseases;
* Mental illness;
* Dependence on psychotropic drugs;
* Allergic to bupivacaine liposomes and bupivacaine;
* Patients have participated in previous trials or have been determined by a surgeon or anesthesiologist to be unsuitable for randomization;
* Failure to obtain written informed consent from the patient or his/her representative

Where this trial is running

Wuhan, Hubei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Median Sternotomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.