Comparing two pain management techniques for children undergoing heart surgery

Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Aortic Coarctectomy , a Randomized Controlled Study .

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT06567275

This study tests which of two pain management techniques works better for young children having heart surgery to help them recover more comfortably.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages3 Months to 2 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06567275 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two different regional anesthesia techniques, the Serratus Anterior Plane Block and the Erector Spinae Plane Block, in managing post-operative pain for pediatric patients undergoing aortic coarctectomy. The trial focuses on children aged 3 months to 2 years, aiming to provide adequate analgesia to prevent complications associated with inadequate pain control after thoracotomy. By comparing these two methods, the study seeks to determine which technique offers better pain relief and contributes to improved recovery outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pediatric patients aged 3 months to 2 years who are scheduled for aortic coarctectomy with a lateral thoracotomy incision.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with preoperative mechanical ventilation, significant coagulopathy, or other serious comorbidities that complicate anesthesia.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery, enhancing their recovery and reducing hospital stays.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with regional anesthesia techniques in pediatric populations, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though the specific comparison of these two techniques is less commonly explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: 3 months-2 years.
* RACHS-1 score 3.
* Patients undergoing aortic coarctectomy operation with Lateral thoracotomy incision.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients whose parents or legal guardians refuse to participate.
* Preoperative mechanical ventilation.
* Preoperative inotropic drug infusion.
* Perioperative cardiopulmonary arrested patients.
* Patients undergoing aortic coarctectomy operation with midline sternotomy incision.
* History of mental retardation or delayed development that may interfere with pain intensity assessment.
* Known or suspected coagulopathy. (PT \< 75% of control)
* Any congenital anomalies or any infection at the site of injection.
* Known or suspected allergy to any of the studied drugs.
* liver enzymes elevated more than the normal values.
* Renal function impairment (Creatinine value more than 1.2mg/dl or BUN more than 20mg/dl).
* Heart failure patients
* Redo patients and previous catheter dilatations

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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 Aortic Coarctationerector spinae plane blockserratus anterior plane blockaortic coarctectomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.