Comparing Erector Spinae Plane Block with Combined Parasternal and Serratus Anterior Plane Blocks for Pain Control After Cardiac Surgery via Sternotomy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two regional anesthesia techniques to manage pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery through sternotomy. The study compares the Erector Spinae Plane Block ESPB with a combination of the Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block SPIPB and Serratus Anterior Plane Block SAPB to see which provides better pain relief and recovery outcomes. This research focuses on adults aged 18 to 80 with specific physical health classifications undergoing elective surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups before general anesthesia. One group will receive a bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB at the T4 or T5 vertebral level, where a local anesthetic called bupivacaine is injected. The other group will receive a combination of bilateral ultrasound-guided SPIPB and SAPB, also using bupivacaine, targeting different areas of the chest wall. Both techniques aim to reduce postoperative sternotomy pain. During the study, pain levels will be measured using a Visual Analog Scale at multiple time points up to 24 hours after surgery. Researchers will also assess extubation time, total opioid use, behavioral pain scores, and the time until the first additional pain medication is needed. Monitoring will continue for 24 hours post-surgery to evaluate recovery and pain management effectiveness. Participation includes nerve block procedures before surgery and follow-up assessments in the intensive care unit.

Comparison of Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) With the Combination of Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block (SPIPB) and Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) in the Management of Postoperative Sternotomy Pain in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Via Sternotomy