Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Transversus Thoracic Plane Block for Perioperative Analgesia in Cardiac Surgery

This study is investigating a specific type of pain relief called a Transversus Thoracic Plane Block (TTPB) for people undergoing heart surgery. Heart surgery can cause considerable pain afterwards, and the researchers want to find better ways to manage it. They are comparing how well the TTPB works against the standard pain relief given to patients. A key part of the study is also to see if having this block injection before the surgery or right after it makes a difference in how much pain people experience. The main goal is to see if TTPB can significantly reduce pain after heart surgery, helping patients recover more comfortably.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Saint-Joseph University

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2025

Transversus Thoracic Plane Block Cardiac Surgery Post Operative Pain

What is this study about?

When you have heart surgery, especially when your chest bone (sternum) is opened, it can lead to a lot of pain afterwards. This study is looking into a way to help manage that pain using a special injection called a Transversus Thoracic Plane Block, or TTPB for short. Think of it like a targeted numbing injection that helps to block pain signals coming from the chest area. The idea is to make your recovery from heart surgery more comfortable.

The researchers want to answer two main questions. First, does this TTPB injection reduce pain more effectively than the standard pain relief that patients usually receive after heart surgery? Second, they are also trying to figure out the best time to give this injection. Will it work better if it's given right before your surgery starts, or will it be more effective if it's given once your surgery has finished?

By answering these questions, the study aims to improve pain management for people having heart surgery. Better pain control can help you recover faster and feel more comfortable during your time in the hospital and when you go home. This research could potentially lead to a new standard way of helping patients deal with pain after these important operations.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve pain relief after heart surgery.
It tests a special numbing injection called a Transversus Thoracic Plane Block (TTPB).
Researchers want to know if TTPB reduces pain better than usual care.
They also want to find out the best time to give the injection (before or after surgery).
Participation involves having heart surgery and possibly receiving the TTPB injection.
You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult patients who are planned to have heart surgery where their chest bone will be opened (this is called a sternotomy) and who will be connected to a heart-lung machine during the operation.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join the study. For example, if you've had heart surgery before, or if your surgery is an emergency rather than planned. Also, if you are pregnant, have a known allergy to numbing medicines, or have medical conditions like severe kidney problems, issues with blood clotting, or a very weak heart (ejection fraction less than 30%) you wouldn't be able to participate.

Other reasons for not being able to join include if you depend on opioid pain medicines, have an infection near where the injection would be given, or have certain brain conditions that would make it hard to tell doctors about your pain levels. If you've had radiotherapy to your chest or a mastectomy (breast removal surgery) in the past, or are taking two different types of anti-clotting medications, you also wouldn't be suitable for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 18 or older?
Are you scheduled for heart surgery where your chest bone will be opened?
Have you NOT had heart surgery before?
Are you NOT pregnant?
Do you NOT have an allergy to numbing medications?
Do you NOT have a serious kidney problem, blood clotting issues, or a very weak heart?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed information about what taking part involves is not provided in the brief summary. However, typically in such a study, if you qualify, you would receive the special pain-blocking injection either before or after your heart surgery, depending on which group you're in. Researchers would then regularly check your pain levels using simple scales and possibly ask you how much pain medication you are using during your hospital stay. They might also follow up with you for a short time after you leave the hospital, possibly with a phone call or a short clinic visit, to see how your pain is progressing and how you are recovering overall. The total duration of your active participation would likely be focused around your hospital stay and shortly after, but specific details would be explained if you consider joining.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part is that the special pain-blocking injection might help reduce your pain after heart surgery more effectively than standard care, making your recovery more comfortable. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as bruising, infection, or nerve irritation at the injection site, or allergic reactions to the numbing medicine, though serious complications are rare. You will be fully informed of all known risks before deciding to participate, and you always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hotel Dieu de France
Verified postcode
Beirut, Lebanon

Common questions

What is a Transversus Thoracic Plane Block?

It's a type of injection that places numbing medicine near nerves in the chest wall to help reduce pain after surgery.

Why are researchers doing this study?

They want to find better ways to control pain for patients after heart surgery, hoping this injection can make recovery more comfortable.

Will I still get pain medication if I join the study?

Yes, you will still receive pain medication as needed, but the study is looking to see if this injection can reduce the amount or strength of pain medicine required.

Is the injection painful?

Numbing medicine will be used at the injection site to make it as comfortable as possible, similar to other injections you might receive.

What if I change my mind about joining?

You are free to decide not to participate or to leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical treatment or care.

How to find out more

Joanna Tohme, MD

joanna-tohme@hotmail.com +96170492735 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.