Predicting chronic pain after heart surgery using pain mapping techniques

Prediction of Chronic Pain in Cardiac Surgery: Evaluation by Algocartography

Observational Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT06681272

This study is testing if mapping pain sensitivity after heart surgery can help predict who might develop chronic pain later on.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bron)
Trial IDNCT06681272 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between the area of postoperative hyperalgesia and the occurrence of chronic pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery via sternotomy. By employing a technique called algocartography, researchers will map pain sensitivity in patients two days post-surgery and assess pain levels at three months post-operation. The study will utilize various questionnaires and pain scales to gather data on the patients' experiences and quality of life. The goal is to determine if the mapped area of hyperalgesia can predict chronic pain outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 scheduled for conventional cardiac surgery involving sternotomy.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency surgery, those with a history of drug addiction, or those currently on preoperative opioid treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for predicting and managing chronic pain in cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While few studies have explored chronic pain in cardiac surgery, the approach of using pain mapping techniques has shown promise in other surgical contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled surgery
* Conventional cardiac surgery by sternotomy: valve repair or replacement, coronary, thoracic aortic or combined surgery
* Age over 18
* No opposition from patient
* Patient affiliated to a social security

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency surgery
* Patient refusal
* Redux surgery
* Patients under guardianship
* History of drug addiction
* Preoperative opioid treatment
* Morbid obesity (body mass index \>30kg/m2)
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women
* Patients taking part in another clinical study likely to interfere with the results of the present study.

Where this trial is running

Bron

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 Sternotomy Closure,open Heart SurgeryCardiac SurgeryChronic Pain Post-ProceduralChronic pain predictioncardiac surgeryalgocartographyarea of hyperalgesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.