Erector spinae versus serratus posterior superior intercostal plane nerve blocks for pain after coronary bypass
A Randomized Trial Comparing Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
This study will test whether an erector spinae plane block or a serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block provides better pain relief and reduces opioid use after elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery in adults aged 45–85.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kutahya Health Sciences University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kütahya, Kütahya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07388745 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparison of two ultrasound-guided bilateral regional nerve blocks given around the time of elective CABG. Adults aged 45–85 with ASA I–III are randomized to receive either bilateral ESPB or bilateral SPSIPB, and postoperative pain is measured at several time points using the Numeric Rating Scale up to 48 hours. Secondary measures include intraoperative opioid use, postoperative morphine consumption and PCA parameters, need for rescue analgesics, extubation and mobilization times, incentive spirometry results, ICU/hospital length of stay, QoR-15 recovery scores, mortality, and block-related adverse events. Safety monitoring focuses on block-related complications and standard postoperative outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 45–85 scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with ASA physical status I–III who can give written informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients needing emergency CABG, with ASA IV–V, coagulopathy, infection at the injection site, known allergy to local anesthetics, pregnancy, or those who decline consent are excluded and will not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better-performing block could give stronger pain relief after CABG, lower opioid requirements, and speed early recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Erector spinae plane blocks and other thoracic plane blocks have shown promising opioid-sparing and pain benefits after thoracic and some cardiac surgeries, while SPSIPB is newer and direct comparative data are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 45-85 years * Scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II-III * Patients who provide written informed consent and agree to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Emergency cases * ASA IV-V * Known allergy to local anesthetics * Coagulopathy (platelet count \<100,000/mm³, INR \>1.5, aPTT \>1.5× normal) * Infection at the block injection site * Pregnancy * Patients who do not provide written informed consent or decline to participate after being informed
Where this trial is running
Kütahya, Kütahya
- Kütahya Health Sciences University Hospital — Kütahya, Kütahya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Merve Yaman, Assistant Professor — Kütahya Health Sciences University
- Study coordinator: Merve Yaman, Assistant Professor
- Email: merve.yaman@ksbu.edu.tr
- Phone: +905363794742
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.