Pain relief technique for patients after heart surgery

Impact of Intertransverse Process Block on Postoperative Acute Pain in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Via Median Sternotomy: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial"

Not applicable Interventional Konya City Hospital · NCT06908681

This study is testing if a pain relief technique using a special injection can help people recovering from heart surgery feel less pain and use fewer pain medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKonya City Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Konya)
Trial IDNCT06908681 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of bilateral intertransverse process block (ITPB) in reducing acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) via median sternotomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ITPB with bupivacaine or a placebo saline injection before surgery. The study will assess pain scores, opioid consumption, and recovery quality during the first 24 hours after extubation. The goal is to determine if ITPB can enhance recovery and minimize opioid use in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective CABG via median sternotomy.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency CABG surgery or those with certain medical conditions such as coagulopathy or hepatic failure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption for patients undergoing heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with regional anesthesia techniques in managing postoperative pain, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) via median sternotomy planned
* Able to provide written informed consent
* Able to communicate symptoms reliably with the research team

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency CABG surgery
* Infection or open wound at the injection site
* Coagulopathy
* Hepatic or renal failure
* Reoperation cases
* Incomplete or missing data

Where this trial is running

Konya

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.
Conditions Postoperative PainCoronary Artery Bypass Grafting SurgerySternotomyIntertransverse Process BlockCoronary Artery Bypass GraftingCardiac SurgeryMedian Sternotomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.