Using methadone to improve recovery after cardiac surgery

Methadone and Quality of Postoperative Recovery

Phase 4 Interventional Endeavor Health · NCT03168958

This study is testing if giving methadone during heart surgery can help patients feel less pain and recover better compared to those who get a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorEndeavor Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Evanston, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT03168958 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of methadone as a long-acting opioid for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. By administering methadone during the induction of anesthesia, the study aims to reduce pain intensity and the need for additional analgesics in the early recovery period. The trial will compare recovery quality scores between patients receiving methadone and those receiving saline as a control. The goal is to determine if methadone can enhance overall postoperative recovery and patient satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults scheduled for elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

Not a fit: Patients with significant renal or hepatic dysfunction, severe pulmonary disease, or a history of opioid abuse may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and recovery experiences for cardiac surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with methadone in postoperative pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients presenting for elective cardiac surgery with CPB will be eligible for enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Preoperative renal failure requiring dialysis or severe renal dysfunction (serum creatinine \> 2.0 mg/dL)
* Significant hepatic dysfunction (liver function tests \> 2 times upper normal limit)
* Pulmonary disease necessitating home oxygen therapy
* Preoperative requirement for inotropic agents or intraaortic balloon pump to maintain hemodynamic stability
* Allergy to methadone or fentanyl
* Significant preoperative pain requiring treatment with opioids or recent history of opioid abuse
* Inability to speak or read the English language or neurologic conditions that may impair the ability to complete the QoR 40 questionnaire.

Where this trial is running

Evanston, Illinois

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 Quality of Recovery Scores
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.