Comparing two methods for pain relief after minimally invasive heart surgery

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Combination Plane Blocks and Local Wound Infiltration for Postoperative Analgesia Management in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS)

Not applicable Interventional İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl Üniversitesi · NCT06968065

This study is testing two different ways to relieve pain after minimally invasive heart surgery to see which one helps patients feel better and use fewer pain medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Sponsorİstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl Üniversitesi Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06968065 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane and serratus-intercostal interfascial plane blocks compared to local wound infiltration for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery. It is a randomized, prospective, single-blinded trial involving 60 patients, focusing on opioid consumption and pain scores post-surgery. The study aims to determine which method provides better analgesia and fewer complications during recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery with specific incision criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with coagulopathy, allergies to local anesthetics or opioids, or those undergoing bilateral thoracic incisions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and reduced opioid use for patients after heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75 years
* Undergoing MICS with left-sided 4th-5th intercostal incision
* ASA I-III
* Informed consent provided

Exclusion Criteria:

* Coagulopathy or on anticoagulants

  * Allergy to local anesthetics or opioids
  * Local infection at block site
  * Pregnancy or lactation
  * Bilateral thoracic incisions
  * Refusal to participate

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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 Pain, PostoperativeHeart SurgeryAnalgesiaHeart Surgery, Minimally InvasiveBupivacaineOpioid-Related Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.