Regional Anesthesia for Cardiothoracic Enhanced Recovery
United States60 participantsStarted 2020-01-01
Plain-language summary
The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel regional analgesic technique that provides pain relief with a peripheral nerve block catheter. The goal of this study is to see if bilateral ESPB catheters can improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery via sternotomy, such as decreasing the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, need for intravenous opioid medications, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and improving pain scores.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Give consent to participate in study
* planned sternotomy
* specific procedures: CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) or AVR (aortic valve repair or replacement) or MVR (mitral valve repair or replacement) or combination of any of 2 of these
* Primary or first redo sternotomy
Exclusion Criteria:
* Participants who cannot give consent
* Patients who are clinically unstable or require urgent/emergent intervention
* more than1 prior sternotomy
* planned aortic arch procedures
* preoperative coagulopathy (INR \>1.5, PTT \>35) or ongoing anticoagulation (heparin infusion, therapeutic low molecular weight heparin, warfarin, dual antiplatelet therapy)
* Severe ventricular dysfunction (left or right ventricle)
* Symptomatic heart failure (systolic or diastolic)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Opioid Consumption
Timeframe: Duration of postoperative recovery (typically 1-2 weeks)