Comparing two pain relief methods for heart surgery patients

Intercostal Nerve Cryoanalgesia vs BRILMA Block for Minithoracotomy on Cardiac Surgery

Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · NCT06086535

This study is testing two different pain relief methods for heart surgery patients to see which one helps them feel better after their operation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (other)
Locations1 site (Barcelona, Cataluña)
Trial IDNCT06086535 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare the effectiveness of intercostal nerve cryoanalgesia and BRILMA block in managing postoperative pain for patients undergoing cardiac surgery via minithoracotomy. Both techniques are designed to alleviate severe acute pain following surgery, with the hypothesis that cryoanalgesia may offer longer-lasting relief compared to the BRILMA block. The study will assess pain control during the initial postoperative hours and track the incidence of neuropathic pain at discharge and 30 days post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are undergoing cardiac surgery by minithoracotomy.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, those undergoing sternotomy, or individuals with certain neurological conditions or previous neuropathic pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide improved pain management options for patients recovering from cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar nerve block techniques have been explored, this specific comparison of cryoanalgesia and BRILMA block in cardiac surgery is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients \> 18 years of age, underwent cardiac surgery by minithoracotomy
* Cardiac surgery
* Minithoracotomy

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 years old
* Patients undergoing cardiac surgery by sternotomy
* Patients with regular consumption of analgesics,
* Patients with neurological diseases with altered level of consciousness
* Patients with previous neuropathic pain.

Where this trial is running

Barcelona, Cataluña

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Operative Pain, intercostal nerve cryoanalgesia, BRILMA block, minithoracotomy, cardiac surgery, postoperative analgesia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.