Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Parasternal Plane Block on Intraoperative Nociception

Effective pain control during pediatric cardiac surgery remains a major clinical challenge, particularly in procedures involving median sternotomy, which is associated with intense nociceptive stimulation. Inadequate intraoperative analgesia may lead to increased opioid requirements, hemodynamic instability, delayed extubation, and prolonged intensive care unit stay. Objective monitoring of nociception may provide valuable information beyond conventional hemodynamic parameters in this vulnerable population. This prospective randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided parasternal plane block on intraoperative nociception in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery with median sternotomy. Intraoperative nociception will be objectively assessed using the Pain Index Monitor (PAM), based on skin conductance measurements. The results of this study are expected to provide objective evidence regarding the efficacy of parasternal plane block in attenuating nociceptive responses during pediatric cardiac surgery and to support the integration of regional anesthesia techniques and objective nociception monitoring into perioperative pain management strategies for children.

RCT to Evaluate STERN FIX Device as a Sternal Stabilization System in Patients After Sternotomy

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the safety and performance of the sternal stabilization system STERN FIX with the standard of care (sternal closure with wires only) in normal conditions of use, in patients of risk undergoing median sternotomy during cardiothoracic surgery. The main question it aims to answer is: • whether STERN FIX is a safe and efficient device to close the sternum after a sternotomy in patients of risk, achieving higher sternal stability than wires one month after surgery Participants will have their median sternotomy closed using STERN FIX in combination with wires or wires only at the end of their cardiothoracic surgery, according to the allocated treatment.

Sternal Closure in High-BMI Patients: Cable vs Wire

This retrospective study compares two sternal closure techniques-standard stainless-steel wires and rigid cable systems-in adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 who underwent open-heart surgery between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. The study aims to evaluate the incidence of sternal instability, wound infections, reoperation, and length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. Findings may help inform surgical decision-making for high-BMI patients.

Ultrasound Guided Bilateral Pectoral Nerve Block Versus Bilateral Transverse Thoracic Plane Block In Pediatric Patients Undergoing Corrective Cardiac Surgeries Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass Via Median Sternotomy

This randomized, double-blinded, study aims to compare the efficacy of intraoperative and postoperative pain control while using bilateral ultrasound guided the pectoral nerves (PECS) versus transversus thoracic muscle plane block (TTPB) in pediatric patients undergoing corrective cardiac surgeries.

Liposomal Bupivacaine and Bupivacaine for TTMPB in Median Sternotomy

In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding the efficacy of bupivacaine liposomes, our study was designed to investigate, for the first time, the differential postoperative analgesic effects between bupivacaine liposomes combined with bupivacaine hydrochloride and bupivacaine hydrochloride alone in transverse thoracic muscle plane block treatment. The aim is to provide evidence-based medical guidance for drug selection in regional block local anesthesia.