Intertransverse process block to improve recovery and cut long-term pain after open-heart surgery
Intertransverse Process Block to Improve Quality of Recovery and Pain Management in Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients: a Prospective Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
We will test whether giving an intertransverse process block during elective open-heart (CABG or valve) surgery helps adults recover better after surgery and reduces the chance of long-term post-surgery pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06946290 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional trial assigns adults having elective coronary artery bypass grafting or valve repair/replacement via sternotomy to receive either an intertransverse process block (ITPB) or a sham block. Researchers will track immediate postoperative pain control and quality of recovery, and then follow patients for persistent pain at 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients with prior chronic pain, chronic opioid use, emergency or redo surgery, severe renal failure, or intraoperative remifentanil are excluded. The main goal is to determine whether blocking nociceptive input around the transverse processes reduces acute pain and prevents central sensitization that can lead to chronic postsurgical pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older scheduled for elective CABG, valve repair/replacement, or combined CABG/valve surgery via sternotomy who do not have preexisting chronic pain or chronic opioid use are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients having emergency or redo operations, those with preexisting chronic pain or chronic opioid/sedative use, severe renal failure (eGFR ≤30 ml/min), or who require intraoperative remifentanil are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the block could lower immediate postoperative pain, speed recovery, and reduce the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain after cardiac surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Related regional techniques such as erector spinae and paravertebral blocks have shown promise for reducing postoperative pain after thoracic procedures, but ITPB specifically remains less well studied for preventing chronic postsurgical pain.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adult patients aged 18 or older * undergoing elective CABG, valve repair/replacement, or combined CABG/valve procedure via sternotomy Exclusion Criteria: * Emergency surgery * redo surgery * history of chronic pain or being on chronic opioids/sedatives * renal failure with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤30 ml/min (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault formula) * re-operation within 24 hours after surgery * intraoperative use of remifentanil * inability to provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Prince of Wales Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Henry Wong — Hospital Authority
- Study coordinator: Zion Yeung
- Email: yhosum928@gmail.com
- Phone: +85295782790
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.