Preoperative deep parasternal intercostal plane block to reduce opioid use during median sternotomy
Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block Reduces Intraoperative Opioid Consumption in Adults Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Via Median Sternotomy
This will test whether a bilateral ultrasound-guided deep parasternal intercostal plane (DPIP) block given before surgery can reduce opioid use during and after elective median sternotomy in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gaziantep City Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gaziantep, Sahinbey) |
| Trial ID | NCT07315308 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolling adults scheduled for elective cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. Participants will be randomized to receive a bilateral ultrasound-guided DPIP block after induction of general anesthesia plus standardized multimodal analgesia, or to receive standardized multimodal analgesia alone. The primary outcome is intraoperative opioid consumption, with secondary outcomes likely including postoperative pain scores, time to extubation, nausea/vomiting, and ICU length of stay. The study is single-center and conducted at Gaziantep Sehir Hastanesi in Gaziantep, Turkey.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 to 65 scheduled for elective cardiac surgery via median sternotomy who can undergo general anesthesia and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients on long-term opioid therapy, with coagulation disorders or local infection, those undergoing emergency surgery, or with severe cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the DPIP block could lower intraoperative and postoperative opioid requirements, potentially enabling faster extubation, less nausea, and shorter ICU stays.
How similar studies have performed: Other thoracic plane and parasternal blocks have shown opioid-sparing effects in small studies, but the DPIP block itself is relatively new and lacks extensive high-quality randomized data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 to 65 years Scheduled to undergo elective cardiac surgery via median sternotomy Planned general anesthesia Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Known allergy or contraindication to local anesthetics Coagulation disorders or ongoing anticoagulant therapy that contraindicates regional anesthesia Infection at or near the planned injection site Pre-existing chronic pain conditions requiring long-term opioid use Severe cognitive impairment or inability to communicate pain intensity Emergency surgery Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Gaziantep, Sahinbey
- Gaziantep Sehir Hastanesi — Gaziantep, Sahinbey, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Burak Cemil BALIK, MD
- Email: cburakbalik@hotmail.com
- Phone: 905339545102
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.