Testing a nerve block for pain relief in heart surgery patients

Analgesic Efficacy of Rhomboid Intercostal Nerve Block for Minimal Invasive Heart Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

NA · Koç University · NCT05861804

This study is testing if a nerve block can help reduce pain and the need for pain medication in patients having minimally invasive heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorKoç University (other)
Locations1 site (İstanbul)
Trial IDNCT05861804 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of rhomboid intercostal nerve block (RINB) in reducing pain and opioid consumption in patients undergoing minimal invasive heart surgery (MIHS). Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the nerve block before surgery and a control group not receiving it. The study will measure various outcomes, including total opioid use, pain scores, extubation times, ICU length of stay, and opioid-related side effects over a 24-hour postoperative period. The goal is to determine if RINB can improve postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 scheduled for minimal invasive heart surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to local anesthetics, chronic opioid use, or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and opioid use in patients undergoing heart surgery, leading to better recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar nerve block techniques, suggesting potential efficacy for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients between the age of 18-80 undergoing minimal invasive heart surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to local anaesthetics
* Chronic opioid use history
* Patients with psychiatric disorders
* Patients who are not open to communication
* Patients with chronic organ failure
* Patients that do not give consent
* Patients that need emergency surgery within the first 24 hours of the initial surgery

Where this trial is running

İstanbul

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: Minimal Invasive Heart Surgery, Rhomboid Intercostal Nerve Block, rhomboid intercostal nerve block, minimal invasive heart surgery, cardiac anesthesia

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.