Erector Spinae versus Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane blocks for pain after CABG
Comparison of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block in Postoperative Pain Management After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective, Observational Study
This study will test whether the Erector Spinae Plane Block or the Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block better controls pain after elective CABG in adults aged 18–80.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ankara Education and Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Altındag) |
| Trial ID | NCT07287761 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-center, prospective observational comparison of two ultrasound-guided interfascial plane blocks used for postoperative analgesia after median sternotomy CABG. The choice of block (ESPB or SPSIPB) is made by the anesthesiologist intraoperatively based on ultrasound anatomy rather than by random assignment. All patients receive a standardized general anesthesia protocol and postoperative pain and opioid use are tracked to compare effectiveness and safety. The study aims to document pain scores, opioid consumption, and block-related complications to inform practice.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–80 years old scheduled for elective CABG via median sternotomy with ASA II–III who can consent and understand pain scoring are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to regional blocks (coagulopathy, local infection), morbid obesity, chronic opioid use or dependence, severe organ dysfunction, or those over 80 are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If one block proves superior, patients could experience better pain control with lower opioid use and fewer pulmonary complications after CABG.
How similar studies have performed: Erector Spinae Plane Block has supporting evidence for thoracic and some cardiac surgery pain control, while the Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block is newer and has more limited clinical data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled for elective Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) via median sternotomy. * Age between 18 and 80 years. * Classification of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Class II or III. * Patients who provide written and verbal informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who do not provide consent. * Age older than 80 years or ASA Physical Status Class \> III. * Patients who do not understand the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) or have communication difficulties. * Patients with a known history of coagulation disorders or bleeding disorders. * Patients with skin infection at the site of peripheral nerve block application. * Patients with Morbid Obesity (Body Mass Index BMI\>35 kg/m2). * Patients with chronic pain, opioid or substance dependence, or who use chronic analgesics. * Patients with known allergy to local anesthetics. * Patients with liver or kidney function disorders. * Patients with a history of previous median sternotomy operation. * Patients undergoing emergency surgery.
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Altındag
- Ankara Training and Research Hospital — Ankara, Altındag, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Abdullah KONAN, M.D
- Email: drkonan44@gmail.com
- Phone: +903125953000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.