NCT06559683

Comparison of Sensory Analysis After Superficial and Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Blocks

Comparison of Maximum Extension of Sensory Assessment Following Superficial and Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Blocks

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 33 (actual)
• Sponsor: Ondokuz Mayıs University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 85 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Postoperative pain following cardiac surgery is a common issue that can negatively impact patients' quality of life. Effective perioperative pain management is crucial to improving patient outcomes. Pain is typically most intense during the first two postoperative days, and inadequate management can lead to chronic pain, further diminishing quality of life. Recent advances in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, including superficial and deep parasternal intercostal plane blocks, have enhanced acute pain control. These blocks aim to provide analgesia by targeting the anterior cutaneous branches of the T2-6 thoracic nerves. While their efficacy is recognized, sensory evaluation and dermatomal analysis remain unexplored. Cadaver studies suggest that the deep block may cover more parasternal space than the superficial block.

Detailed description

This observational study evaluates sensory blocks in patients undergoing open-heart surgery who receive superficial or deep parasternal intercostal plane blocks. Sensory assessment, conducted by a blinded researcher 30 minutes post-block, involves applying small ice tubes with cold sensations categorized as Normal, Reduced, or No cold. A successful block is defined as the loss or reduction of cold sensitivity, while normal cold sensation indicates block failure. Assessments start at the midline, moving laterally to the anterior axillary line. Marked areas are digitally analyzed. Block regression is evaluated at 12 and 24 hours post-procedure using the same cold assessment criteria.

Conditions

• Pain, Postoperative

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Sensory Assessment	Patients scheduled for open-heart surgery will receive a deep/superficial parasternal intercostal plane block preoperatively, and sensory block status will be evaluated after 30 minutes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-09-14
• Primary completion: 2025-02-01
• Completion: 2025-02-27
• First posted: 2024-08-19
• Last updated: 2025-03-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)