In this randomized trial, the investigators will test the hypothesis that combining regional analgesia techniques-which have the potential to improve the quality of postoperative recovery following median sternotomy-with PIFB will accelerate recovery. Additionally, it is anticipated that RIFB, an alternative fascial plane block, will demonstrate non-inferior (at least as effective as) performance compared to RSB, thereby providing flexibility and ease of application in clinical practice.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 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:
* Patients who have provided written informed consent
* Open-heart surgery performed under elective conditions via median sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump)
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class II or III
* Aged 18-70 years
Exclusion Criteria:
* Off-pump surgical procedure
* Emergency or repeat cardiac surgery
* Known allergy to induction agents or local anesthetics
* Body mass index (BMI) \>35 kg/m²
* Coagulopathy
* Infection at the surgical site
* Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \<40%
* Renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate \<60 mL/min/1.73 m²) or hepatic insufficiency \[Presence of major systemic diseases such as acute decompensated cirrhosis characterized by bilirubin \>12 mg/dL, INR \>2.5, or hepatic encephalopathy, in accordance with the European Association for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure Consortium criteria\]
* Psychiatric disorders
* History of chronic pain or regular use of analgesics (corticosteroids, analgesics, anticonvulsants)
* Cognitive impairments that could interfere with the assessment of postoperative pain
* Patients with impaired physical and verbal performance
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
Turkish version of the Quality of Recovery-15 scale (QoR-15T)
Timeframe: In the postoperative period, the time of extubation will be considered "postoperative hour 0". The primary endpoint is the quality of early recovery, assessed at 24 hours postoperatively.