Intrapleural Ropivacaine Infusion to Improve Recovery After Cardiac Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying pain management in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, specifically focusing on the use of intrapleural analgesia with ropivacaine. This method involves delivering local anesthetics directly into the pleural cavity through drainage tubes placed after surgery. The study aims to evaluate whether ropivacaine improves the quality of recovery from anesthesia compared to a placebo, especially when traditional pain treatments might pose risks. Participants will receive either 0.2% ropivacaine or a 0.9% sodium chloride placebo infused into the pleural cavity during surgery before closing the chest bone. The infusion starts at 10 ml per hour and continues through a microcatheter placed in the pleural cavity. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial monitors patients after surgery to compare these treatments. During the study, participants will be assessed for their recovery quality 24 hours after surgery using the QoR15 questionnaire. Additional measures include oxygenation levels at 6, 12, and 24 hours, morphine use within 24 hours, and pain levels at multiple time points up to 48 hours after surgery. Safety and response to treatment will be closely monitored throughout the recovery period.

Intrapleural Ropivacaine Infusion in Cardiac Surgery