Using intravenous methadone for pain control after heart surgery
Intravenous Methadone for Sternotomy Pain Control in Cardiac Surgery: Double-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests whether giving intravenous methadone for pain relief after heart surgery can help adults feel better and recover faster compared to using morphine.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 86 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06728371 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of intravenous methadone for managing postoperative pain in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either methadone or an equivalent dose of morphine at the start of their anesthesia. The study aims to assess not only immediate pain relief but also the potential reduction of chronic pain following surgery. Blood samples will be taken to monitor methadone levels and its impact on pain management will be analyzed. The goal is to improve overall patient recovery and satisfaction after cardiac procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older scheduled for elective cardiac surgeries such as CABG or valve procedures via sternotomy.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency surgeries, those with significant comorbidities, or a history of chronic pain may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better pain management and improved recovery outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of methadone for pain management is established, this specific application in cardiac surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adult patients age 18 or older * elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve repair/replacement, or combined CABG/valve procedure via sternotomy * Expected extubation within 12 hours of surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * emergency surgery * aortic surgery * redo surgery * preoperative renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy or creatinine clearance \<30ml/min (calculated by Cockcroft-Gault formula) * liver dysfunction (liver enzymes twice upper limit normal) * LVEF \<40% * mechanical hemodynamic support in perioperative period * history of chronic pain or who regularly used pain medications (except paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) * history of psychiatric illnesses or illicit drug use * intraoperative use of remifentanil * unable to provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Prince of Wales Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Man Kin Wong — Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Man Kin Wong
- Email: mkw118@gmail.com
- Phone: 5569 9559
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.