RecruitingNot Applicable

Objective Measurement of the Mechanical Pain Threshold With an Algometer for Predicting Intraoperative Opioid Consumption in Patients Who Will be Operate by Thoracotomy and Sternotomy in Cardiac Surgery

Belgium100 participantsStarted 2026-01-24

Plain-language summary

The study aims to test the relationship between the preoperative pain threshold and the intraoperative need for opioids. The objective of the study is to try to predict a patient's analgesic needs based on their objectively determined preoperative pain threshold. The investigators will include patients scheduled for elective cardiovascular surgery. The investigators will investigate the correlation between the preoperative pain threshold and intraoperative/postoperative opioid consumption in a highly standardized anesthesia setting.

Who can participate

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: * ASA 3 patients with scheduled cardiac surgery by thoracotomy or sternotomy Exclusion Criteria: * Patient refusal, * A body mass index (BMI) \> 30 kg/m², * Allergies to any medication used in typical cardiac anesthesia, * Chronic pain or regular use of analgesics, * Severe ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, poorly controlled arhythmia, * Non-elective surgery. * Patients enrolled in another study protocol within the previous 3 months, * Pregnant or breastfeeding patients, * Patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. * Patients for whom the study will be stopped in the event of blood loss greater than or equal to one liter, or for any other severe perioperative surgical complication.

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

Correlation between the pressure pain threshold and the consumption of opioid during and after the surgery

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of opioid administration during hospital stay, up to 6 days after the enrollment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07513974

SponsorUniversité Libre de Bruxelles

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-15

Contact for this trial

IONUT TABOLCEA, Doctor

+32 488 72 00 46 Ionut.tabolcea@hubruxelles.be

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cardiac Surgery Subjects trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

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.