Evaluating pain management techniques in heart surgery patients

Efficacy of Parasternal Blocks in Cardiovascular Surgery Patients Undergoing Median Sternotomy: Randomized, Controlled Study

NA · Kartal Kosuyolu Yuksek Ihtisas Education and Research Hospital · NCT06387095

This study is testing if a new pain management technique called parasternal blocks can help heart surgery patients feel less pain and recover faster compared to standard anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorKartal Kosuyolu Yuksek Ihtisas Education and Research Hospital (other gov)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Kartal)
Trial IDNCT06387095 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of parasternal blocks for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing median sternotomy for cardiac surgery. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving standard intravenous anesthesia, another receiving a superficial parasternal block, and the third receiving a deep parasternal block. The study will assess outcomes such as extubation times, pain scores, and lengths of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. The goal is to determine if these blocks can improve pain management and recovery times compared to standard care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 undergoing elective median sternotomy with ASA II-III classification.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain conditions prior to surgery or those undergoing emergency or minimally invasive procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance pain management and recovery for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar analgesic techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Performing median sternotomy
* Elective case
* Over 18 years of age; under 80 years of age
* ASA II-III patients

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency cases
* Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery
* Patients with a history of opioid use in the last 30 days
* Redo cases
* Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
* Patients with severe hepatic or renal insufficiency
* Patients with chronic pain before surgery (migraine, fibromyalgia)

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Kartal

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: Postoperative Pain, postoperative pain, parasternal blocks, chronic pain, acute pain, cabg

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.