ESPB versus PIFB for pain control after open-heart (sternotomy) surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial enrolls adults undergoing their first elective conventional sternotomy for cardiac surgery and randomizes them to receive either an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) or a pecto‑intercostal fascial plane block (PIFB) for perioperative analgesia. The primary comparisons include postoperative opioid consumption over 48 hours and static and dynamic pain scores, with secondary outcomes including respiratory function measures, quality of life (QoL15), and other clinical recovery indicators. Blocks are performed perioperatively by anesthesiologists using standardized techniques and patients receive routine postoperative care. The single‑center design at Taichung Veterans General Hospital focuses on first‑time sternotomy patients to reduce confounding from prior operations.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults patients, elective and first-time cardiac surgery patients undergoing traditional sternotomy. Procedures include coronary artery bypass surgery, valve repair or replacement surgery, atrial and ventricular septal defect repair surgery, and other open-heart surgeries.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Emergency surgery 2. Anticipated combined major aortic vascular surgery 3. Already admitted to the ICU or on a ventilator before surgery.

Where it's running

• Taichung Veterans General Hospital
  Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yi-Ting Chang, Dr.
• Email: taco@vghtc.gov.tw
• Phone: (+886)4-23592525

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Anterior Knee Nerves Block vs Femoral Nerve Block for Knee Arthroscopy

  This trial tests whether an anterior nerves of the knee (ANK) block provides similar pain relief to a femoral nerve block after knee arthroscopy in adults, aiming to reduce quadriceps weakness.

  Recruiting Van Training and Research Hospital · Van · NCT07910500

• Esmolol vs Dexmedetomidine for opioid-sparing in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery

  This study tests whether low-dose esmolol or dexmedetomidine, given during surgery, reduces opioid use and improves pain control after laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with placebo.

  Recruiting National and Kapodistrian University of Athens · Athens · NCT07846722

• Three nerve blocks for knee replacement: which one works best

  This trial tests three different nerve blocks used during knee replacement to see which provides the best pain relief for patients after surgery.

  Recruiting I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio · Milan, Italy and 1 other locations · NCT07751653

• Rectointercostal plane block to reduce pain after laparoscopic gallbladder removal

  This study tests whether giving a rectointercostal block during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can lower postoperative pain for patients without changing general anesthesia.

  Recruiting Istinye University · Istanbul · NCT07745972

• STIL block versus RIB with sub-serratus plane block for pain relief after pediatric chest surgery

  This study tests whether the STIL plane block provides comparable or better pain relief than the combination of RIB and sub-serratus plane block in children after thoracotomy.

  Recruiting Tanta University · Tanta, El-Gharbia · NCT07666334

• SPSIP Block to Help Pain After Breast Reduction Surgery

  A randomized trial tests whether adding an ultrasound-guided SPSIP block can lower opioid use in the first 24 hours after bilateral breast reduction surgery.

  Recruiting Cumhuriyet University Hospital · Sivas, Sivas · NCT07657949

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.