Opioid-Based Anesthesia and Analgesia for Adult Cardiac Surgery: History and Narrative Review of the Literature

Perioperative pain management for cardiac surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute postsurgical pain after cardiac surgery is challenging to treat. Adverse effects related to the high dose opioids which have traditionally been used perioperatively in cardiac surgery have led to the adoption of alternative analgesic strategies. This review aims to highlight current evidence-based approaches to managing pain after cardiac surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current evidence and international guidelines support the use of multimodal analgesics for managing perioperative pain after cardiac surgery. Regional anaesthesia in the form of fascial plane blocks, such as the erector spinae plane and parasternal intercostal plane blocks, are effective and safe techniques for anticoagulated cardiac surgery patients. Transitional pain services are multidisciplinary programmes that bridge the gap between inpatient and outpatient care for these patients.

SUMMARY

This paper reviews advancements in perioperative pain management for cardiac surgery patients, emphasising the shift from high-dose opioids to multimodal analgesia and regional anaesthetic techniques, and highlighting the role of multidisciplinary transitional pain services.

Efficacy of Transversus Thoracic Plane Block for Pain Management in Cardiac Surgeries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Effective pain management in cardiac surgery presents as a continuous challenge related to the intensity of postoperative pain and reliance on opioid therapy. The dependance of opioid-based therapies is concerning, as these therapies carry risk future addiction and potential severe side effects. The transversus thoracic plane block (TTPB) has emerged as a promising regional anesthesia technique that blocks the anterior branches of the intercostal nerves in the chest wall, potentially providing improved analgesia for cardiac surgery patients. The present investigation evaluates the efficacy of TTPB in reducing opioid consumption, decreasing postoperative pain scores, and enhancing recovery outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from randomized controlled trials revealed that TTPB significantly reduced 24-hour opioid consumption, increased the time to first rescue analgesic, and lowered Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores both at rest and with movement, particularly in the first 12 h post-surgery. Additional benefits include fewer opioid-related side effects, such as nausea and pruritus, and reductions in intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Studies also suggested that TTPB can support earlier extubation and accelerated recovery, contributing to higher patient satisfaction and overall improved postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Despite these promising results, challenges in technique standardization and limited long-term data are still obstacles that prevent widespread adoption. Achieving consistent TTPB efficacy requires technical precision in ultrasound guidance, and there is little research on its effectiveness across diverse populations, such as pediatric and high-risk cardiac patients. Addressing these gaps through multi-center, long-term studies could help establish TTPB as a prominent pain management strategy in cardiac surgery to minimize opioid dependence and enhance patient comfort and recovery.

The Impact of Preoperative Combined Pectoserratus and/or Interpectoral Plane (Pectoralis Type II) Blocks on Opioid Consumption, Pain, and Overall Benefit of Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Triple-blinded Trial

OBJECTIVE

Acute postoperative pain remains a major obstacle in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Evidence of the analgesic benefit of chest wall blocks is limited. This study was designed to assess the influence of combined pectoserratus plane block plus interpectoral plane block (PSPB + IPPB) on postoperative pain and the overall benefit of analgesia compared with placebo.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, triple-blinded study was conducted.

SETTING

The setting was the operating room and intensive care unit of a university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 60 patients undergoing elective right-lateral MICS were enrolled.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to preoperative PSPB + IPPB with 30 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% or saline.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary endpoint was total intravenous morphine milligram equivalents administered in the first 24 hours after extubation. Secondary endpoints included the Overall Benefit of Analgesia Score (OBAS) at 24 hours after extubation and repeated Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Values for intravenous morphine milligram equivalents administered in the first 24 hours after extubation were significantly lower (median [interquartile range]: 4.2 mg [2.1 - 7.9] v 8.3 mg [4.2 - 15.7], p = 0.025; mean difference: 6.7 mg [0.94 - 12 mg], p = 0.024, Cohen's d: 0.64 [0.09 - 1.2]). Moreover, OBAS at 24 hours and VAS after extubation were significantly lower (4.0 [3.0 - 6.0] v 7.0 [3.0 - 9.0], p = 0.043; 0.0 cm [0.0 - 2.0] v 1.5 cm [0.3 - 3.0], p = 0.030). VAS did not differ between groups at later points.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative PSPB + IPPB reduced 24-hour postextubation opioid consumption, pain at extubation, and OBAS. Given its low risk and expedient placement, it could be a helpful addition to MICS protocols. Future studies should evaluate these findings in multicenter settings and further elucidate the optimal timing of block placement.

The Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block in Median Sternotomy Cardiac Surgery in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

To assess the analgesic effect of erector spinae plane block in adults undergoing median sternotomy cardiac surgery.

DESIGN AND SETTING

The Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed databases from inception to January 2024 were searched. The study has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023470375).

PARTICIPANTS

Eight randomized controlled trials involving 543 patients, comparing with no block or sham block, were included, whether it was a single injection or continuous.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcomes were pain scores and opioid consumption. Erector spinae plane block reduced pain scores immediately after extubation (mean difference [MD], -1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.67 to -0.71; p for heterogeneity = 0.10), at 6 hours after extubation (MD, -1.96; 95% CI, -2.85 to -1.08; p for heterogeneity < 0.0001), and at 12 hours after extubation (MD, -0.98; 95% CI, -1.55 to -0.40; p for heterogeneity < 0.00001). The decrease in pain scores reached the minimal clinically important difference within 6 hours. Opioid consumption 24 hours after surgery decreased by 35.72 mg of oral morphine equivalents (95% CI, -50.88 to -20.57; p for heterogeneity < 0.0001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of results. The quality of primary outcomes was rated as very low to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

Erector spinae plane block decreased pain scores within 12 hours after extubation, reached the minimal clinically important difference within 6 hours, and decreased opioid consumption 24 hours after surgery, based on data of very low to moderate quality. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings.

Efficacy of bilateral catheter superficial parasternal intercostal plane blocks using programmed intermittent bolus for opioid-sparing postoperative analgesia in cardiac surgery with sternotomy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

This study investigated whether catheter superficial parasternal intercostal plane (SPIP) blocks, using a programmed intermittent bolus (PIB) with ropivacaine, could reduce opioid consumption while delivering enhanced analgesia for a period exceeding 48 h following cardiac surgery involving sternotomy.

DESIGN

A double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

University-affiliated tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

60 patients aged 18 or older, scheduled for cardiac surgery via sternotomy.

INTERVENTIONS

The patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the ropivacaine or saline group. After surgery, patients received bilateral SPIP blocks for 48 h with 0.4% ropivacaine (20 mL per side) for induction, followed by bilateral SPIP catheters using PIB with 0.2% ropivacaine (8 mL/side, interspersed with a 2-h interval) or 0.9% normal saline following the same administration schedule. All patients were administered patient-controlled analgesia with hydromorphone.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was the cumulative morphine equivalent consumption during the initial 48 h after the surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain assessment using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at rest and during coughing at designated intervals for three days post-extubation. Furthermore, recovery indicators and ropivacaine plasma levels were diligently documented.

MAIN RESULTS

Cumulative morphine consumption within 48 h in ropivacaine group decreased significantly compared to saline group (25.34 ± 31.1 mg vs 76.28 ± 77.2 mg, respectively; 95% CI, -81.9 to -20.0, P = 0.002). The ropivacaine group also reported lower NRS scores at all recorded time points (P < 0.05) and a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting than the saline group (3/29 vs 12/29, respectively; P = 0.007). Additionally, the ropivacaine group showed significant improvements in ambulation (P = 0.018), respiratory exercises (P = 0.006), and self-reported analgesia satisfaction compared to the saline group (P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral catheter SPIP blocks using PIB with ropivacaine reduced opioid consumption over 48 h, concurrently delivering superior postoperative analgesia in adult cardiac surgery with sternotomy.

Comparison of Continuous Thoracic Epidural Analgesia Versus Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block for Pain Management in Coronary Bypass Surgery

Background Effective pain control is vital for patients undergoing heart surgery. Utilizing a multimodal approach to analgesia is essential, as poor pain management can result in hemodynamic and systemic complications. This study aimed to compare perioperative pain management techniques in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), specifically evaluating continuous thoracic epidural analgesia and ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae block. Methods This randomized comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care centre over a period of six months, with approval from the institute's ethics committee. A total of 24 patients undergoing CABG under general anesthesia participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to either the continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) group (Group A) or the ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) block group (Group B) using a simple randomization method. The study assessed intraoperative intravenous opioid requirements for maintaining stable hemodynamics, as well as postoperative resting and coughing Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and peak inspiratory spirometry. Results Twelve patients from each group completed the study, with comparable demographics (age, gender). Both groups exhibited similar resting and coughing VAS scores at 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively (p > 0.05). However, at 24, 36, and 48 hours, Group A had significantly higher VAS scores compared to Group B (p < 0.05). Group A maintained an overall mean VAS score of 4 or less during rest and coughing. Peak inspiratory spirometry results were consistent between both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion The ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae block provided pain control comparable to thoracic epidural analgesia, making it a viable alternative for perioperative pain management. This is particularly beneficial for CABG patients where early postoperative anticoagulant therapy is crucial for graft patency. Effective pain management also contributes to faster recovery in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Serratus plane block versus standard of care for pain control after totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement: a double-blind, randomized controlled, superiority trial

INTRODUCTION

Serratus anterior plane block has been proposed to reduce opioid requirements after minimally invasive cardiac surgery, but high-quality evidence is lacking.

METHODS

This prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial recruited patients undergoing totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement. Patients in the intervention arm received a single-injection serratus anterior plane block on arrival to the intensive care unit added to standard of care. Patients in the control group received routine standard of care, including patient-controlled intravenous analgesia. Primary outcome was piritramide consumption within the first 24 hours after serratus anterior plane block placement. We hypothesized that compared with no block, patients in the intervention arm would consume 25% less opioids.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients were analyzed (n=38 in intervention arm, n=37 in control arm). When comparing the serratus anterior plane group with the control group, median 24-hour cumulative opioid use was 9 (IQR 6-19.5) vs 15 (IQR 11.3-23.3) morphine milligram equivalents, respectively (p<0.01). Also, pain scores at 4, 8 and 24 hours were lower in the intervention arm at 4, 8 and 24 hours, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Combined deep and superficial single-injection serratus anterior plane block is superior to standard of care in reducing opioid requirements and postoperative pain intensity up to 24 hours after totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04699422.

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery is associated with significant postoperative pain. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for analgesia after MIDCAB.

METHODS

We conducted randomized controlled trial in 60 patients undergoing MIDCAB who received either a single-shot ESPB with 30 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% (ESPB group, n = 30) or normal saline 0.9% (control group, n = 30). The primary outcome was numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at rest within 48 hr postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included postoperative NRS pain scores on deep inspiration within 48 hr, hydromorphone consumption, and quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) score at 24 and 48 hr.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the ESPB group had lower NRS pain scores at rest at 6 hr (estimated mean difference, -2.1; 99% confidence interval [CI], -2.7 to -1.5; P < 0.001), 12 hr (-1.9; 99% CI, -2.6 to -1.2; P < 0.001), and 18 hr (-1.2; 99% CI, -1.8 to -0.6; P < 0.001) after surgery. The ESPB group also showed lower pain scores on deep inspiration at 6 hr (-2.9; 99% CI, -3.6 to -2.1; P < 0.001), 12 hr (-2.3; 99% CI, -3.1 to -1.5; P < 0.001), and 18 hr (-1.0; 99% CI, -1.8 to -0.2; P = 0.01) postoperatively. Patients in the ESPB group had lower total intraoperative fentanyl use, lower 24-hr hydromorphone consumption, a shorter time to extubation, and a shorter time to intensive care unit (ICU) discharge.

CONCLUSION

Erector spinae plane block provided early effective postoperative analgesia and reduced opioid consumption, time to extubation, and ICU discharge in patients undergoing MIDCAB.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2100052810); registered 5 November 2021.

Evaluating the Efficacy of the Erector Spinae Plane Block as a Supplementary Approach to Cardiac Anesthesia during Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery via Median Sternotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Pain control after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) facilitates mobilization and improves outcomes. The efficacy of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) after cardiac surgery remains controversial. Methods: We aimed to investigate the analgesic effects of ESPB after OPCAB. Precisely 56 patients receiving OPCAB were randomly divided into ESPB and control groups. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the dose of rescue analgesics in terms of oral morphine milligram equivalents, the dose of antiemetics, the length of intubation time, and the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Results: The VAS scores were similar at all time points in both groups. The incidence of severe pain (VAS score > 7) was significantly lower in the ESPB group (50% vs. 15.4%; p = 0.008). The dose of rescue analgesics was also lower in the ESPB group (19.04 ± 18.76, 9.83 ± 12.84, p = 0.044) compared with the control group. The other secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: ESPB provides analgesic efficacy by reducing the incidence of severe pain and opioid use after OPCAB.

Perioperative Cannabinoids Significantly Reduce Postoperative Opioid Requirements in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background Opioids, commonly used to control pain associated with surgery, are known to prolong the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay. A wide range of adjunctive strategies are currently utilized to reduce postoperative pain, such as local and regional nerve blocks, nerve cryoablation, and adjunctive medications. We hypothesized that dronabinol (a synthetic cannabinoid) in conjunction with standard opioid pain management will reduce opioid requirements to manage postoperative pain. Methods Sixty-eight patients who underwent isolated first-time coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized to either the control group, who received only standard opioid-based analgesia, or the dronabinol group, who received dronabinol (a synthetic cannabinoid) in addition to standard opioid-based analgesia. Dronabinol was given in the preoperative unit, before extubation in the ICU, and after extubation on the first postoperative day. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were compared under an IRB-approved protocol. The primary endpoints were the postoperative opioid requirement, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU length of stay, and the secondary endpoints were the duration of inotropic support needed, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the change in LVEF. This study was undertaken at Northwest Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA. Results Sixty-eight patients were randomized to either the control group (n = 37) or the dronabinol group (n = 31). Groups were similar in terms of demographic features and comorbidities. The total postoperative opioid requirement was significantly lower in the dronabinol group [39.62 vs 23.68 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), p = 0.0037], representing a 40% reduction. Duration of mechanical ventilation (7.03 vs 6.03h, p = 0.5004), ICU length of stay (71.43 vs 63.77h, p = 0.4227), and inotropic support requirement (0.6757 vs 0.6129 days, p = 0.7333) were similar in the control and the dronabinol groups. However, there was a trend towards lower durations in each endpoint in the dronabinol group. Interestingly, a significantly better preoperative to postoperative LVEF change was observed in the dronabinol group (3.51% vs 6.45%, p = 0.0451). Conclusions Our study found a 40% reduction in opioid use and a significantly greater improvement in LVEF in patients treated with adjunctive dronabinol. Mechanical ventilation duration, ICU length of stay, and inotropic support requirement tended to be lower in the dronabinol group, though did not reach statistical significance. The results of this study, although limited by sample size, are very encouraging and validate our ongoing investigation.

Randomized clinical trial of continuous transversus thoracis muscle plane block for patients undergoing open heart valve replacement surgery

The optimal analgesia regimen after open cardiac surgery is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of continuous transversus thoracis muscle plane (TTMP) blocks initiated before surgery on open cardiac surgery outcomes. A group of 110 patients were randomly allocated to either receive bilateral continuous TTMP blocks (TTP group) or no nerve block (SAL group). The primary endpoint was post-operative pain at 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h after extubation at rest and exercise. The secondary outcome measures included analgesia requirements (sufentanil and flurbiprofen axetil administration), time to extubation, incidence of reintubation, length of stay in the ICU, incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), time until return of bowel function, time to mobilization, urinary catheter removal and length of hospital stay. The length of stay in the ICU and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in the SAL group than in the TTP group. NRS scores at rest and exercise were significantly lower in the TTP group than in the SAL group at all time points. The TTP group required significantly less intraoperative and post-operative sufentanil and post-operative dynastat consumption than the SAL group. Time to extubation, time to first flatus, time until mobilization and time until urinary catheter removal were significantly earlier in the TTP group than in the SAL group. The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the TTP group. Bilateral continuous TTMP blocks provide effective analgesia and accelerate recovery in patients undergoing open heart valve replacement surgery.

The long-term incidence of chronic post-surgical pain after coronary artery bypass surgery - A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) represents a significant issue for many patients following surgery; however, the long-term incidence and impact have not been well described following cardiac surgery. Our aim was to characterize CPSP at least 5 years following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

METHODS

This prospective observational study investigated a cohort of patients from a larger trial investigating cognitive outcomes following CABG surgery, with 89 of 148 eligible patients (60.1%) assessed for CPSP at a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 6.8 [1.2] years. Questionnaires interrogated pain presence, intensity, location, neuropathic characteristics, Geriatric Depression Scale scores (GDS) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).

RESULTS

CPSP was described in 21/89 (23.6%), with 10 rating it as moderate to severe. Six of the CPSP patients (29%) met criteria for neuropathic pain (6.7% overall). The highest rate of CPSP was associated with the leg surgical site (chest 12/89 [13.5%], arm 8/68 [11.8%] and leg (saphenous vein graft-SVG) 11/37 [29.7%]; χ2  = 6.523, p = 0.038). IADL scores were significantly lower for patients with CPSP (mean [SD]: 36.7 [1.6] vs. no CPSP 40.6 [0.6]; p = 0.006). Patients had GDS scores consistent with moderate depression (GDS >8) in 3/21 (14.3%) with CPSP, versus 3/68 (4.4%) non-CPSP patients (χ2  = 3.20, p = 0.073).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a CPSP incidence of 23.6% at a mean of 6.8 years after CABG surgery, with the highest pain proportion at SVG harvest sites. CPSP was associated with neuropathic pain symptoms and had a significant impact on IADLs. This emphasizes the need for long-term follow-up of CABG patients.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study highlights the impact of CPSP 7 years following cardiac surgery and highlights the effect of surgical site, neuropathic pain and the importance of including pain assessment and management in the long-term follow-up of cardiac surgical patients. Strategies to address and prevent chronic pain following cardiac surgery should be further explored.

Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery: A Joint Consensus Statement by the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Cardiac Society, ERAS International Society, and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to lessen surgical insult, promote recovery, and improve postoperative clinical outcomes across a number of specialty operations. A core tenet of ERAS involves the provision of protocolized evidence-based perioperative interventions. Given both the growing enthusiasm for applying ERAS principles to cardiac surgery and the broad scope of relevant interventions, an international, multidisciplinary expert panel was assembled to derive a list of potential program elements, review the literature, and provide a statement regarding clinical practice for each topic area. This article summarizes those consensus statements and their accompanying evidence. These results provide the foundation for best practice for the management of the adult patient undergoing cardiac surgery.

Multimodal Analgesic Effectiveness on Acute Postoperative Pain Management After Adult Cardiac Surgery: Protocol for a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Many patients report moderate to severe pain in the acute postoperative period. Enhanced recovery protocols recommend multimodal analgesics, but the optimal combination of these is unknown.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to synthesize the best available evidence about effectiveness of multimodal analgesics on pain after adult cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review to determine the effect of multimodal postoperative analgesics is proposed (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Registration CRD42022355834). Multiple databases including the Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, American Psychological Association, the Education Resources Information Centre, the Excerpta Medica database, the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Scopus, Web of Science, and clinical trials databases will be searched. Screening in Covidence and quality assessment will be conducted by 2 authors. A grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation summary of findings will be presented if meta-analysis is possible.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on analgesia and quality of recovery after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery offers an effective option for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with the avoidance of median sternotomy and fast postoperative recovery. However, MIDCAB is still associated with significant postoperative pain which may lead to delayed recovery. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a superficial fascial plane block. There have not been randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of ESPB on analgesia and patient recovery following MIDCAB surgery. We therefore designed a double-blind prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial, aiming to prove the hypothesis that ESPB reduces postoperative pain scores in patients undergoing MIDCAB surgery.

METHODS

The study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Ethical Review Committee of Peking University People's Hospital. Sixty adult patients of either sex scheduled for MIDCAB surgery under general anesthesia (GA) will be included. Patients will be randomly allocated to receive either a preoperative single-shot ESPB with 30 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% (ESPB group) or normal saline 0.9% (control group). The primary outcomes are the difference between the two groups in numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at rest at different time points (6, 12, 18, 24, 48 h) after surgery. The secondary outcomes include NRS scores on deep inspiration within 48 h, postoperative hydromorphone consumption, and quality of patient recovery at 24 h and 48 h, using the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scale. The other outcomes include intraoperative fentanyl requirements, the need for additional postoperative rescue analgesics, time to tracheal extubation and chest tube removal after surgery, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), hospital discharge time, and 30-day mortality. Adverse events will be also evaluated.

DISCUSSION

This is a novel randomized controlled study evaluating a preoperative ultrasound-guided single-shot unilateral ESPB on analgesia and quality of patient recovery in MIDCAB surgery. The results of this study will characterize the degree of acute postoperative pain and clinical outcomes following MIDCAB. Our study may help optimizing analgesia regimen selection and improving patient comfort in this specific population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was prospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (trial identifier: ChiCTR2100052810). Date of registration: November 5, 2021.

Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia After Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery-A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the analgesic efficacy of postoperative deep parasternal intercostal plane (DPIP) blocks for patients having cardiac surgery via median sternotomy.

DESIGN

This single-center retrospective study compared patients receiving bilateral DPIP blocks with a matched cohort of patients not receiving DPIP blocks.

SETTING

Large quaternary referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients admitted to the authors' institution from January 1, 2016, to August 14, 2020, for elective cardiac surgery via median sternotomy.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received ultrasound-guided bilateral DPIP blocks.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 113 patients received a DPIP block; 3,461 patients did not. The estimated multiplicative change in cumulative opioid consumption through 24 hours was 0.42 (95% CI 0.32-0.56; p < 0.001), indicating that patients receiving DPIP blocks required 60% fewer opioids than patients who did not. Proportional odds ratios for the average pain score on postoperative day (POD) 0 was 0.46 (95% CI 0.32-0.65; p < 0.001), and POD 1 was 0.67 (95% CI 0.47-0.94; p = 0.021), indicating lower pain scores for patients receiving blocks. The exploratory analysis identified an inverse correlation between DPIP blocks and atrial fibrillation incidence (2% v 15%; inverse probability of treatment weighting odds ratio 0.088, 95% CI 0.02-0.41; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of DPIP blocks in patients undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy was associated with less opioid use and improved pain scores in the early postoperative period compared with patients not receiving blocks. Prospective randomized controlled studies should further elucidate the efficacy and risks of DPIP blocks in cardiac surgery.

The effect of pectointercostal fascial block on stress response in open heart surgery

Background

Activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and inflammatory processes are common forms of stress response. The increased stress response is associated with a higher chance of complications. Open hearth surgery is one of the procedures with a high-stress response. Pectointercostal fascial block (PIFB), as a new pain management option in sternotomy, has the potential to modulate the stress response.

Objective

To determine the effect of PIFB on stress response in open heart surgery.

Methods

This study was a Randomized Controlled Trial on 40 open heart surgery. Patients were divided into two groups, control (20 patients) and PIFB (20 patients). Primary parameters included basal and postoperative TNF-α, basal and post sternotomy ACTH, and basal, 0, and 24 hours postoperative NLR. Secondary parameters include the amount of opioid use, length of the post-operative ventilator, length of ICU stay, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperative.

Results

The PIFB group had a decrease in ACTH levels with an average change that was not significantly different from the control group (-57.71 ± 68.03 vs. -129.78 ± 140.98). The PIFB group had an average change in TNFα levels and an average increase in NLR 0 hours postoperative that was not significantly lower than the control group (TNFα: -0.52 ± 1.31 vs. 0.54 ± 1.76; NLR: 12.80 ± 3.51 vs. 14.82 ± 4.23). PIFB significantly reduced the amount of opioid use during surgery, NRS at 6, 12, and 24 hours, and the length of post-operative ventilator use (P < 0.05, CI: 95%).

Conclusion

PIFB has a good role in reducing the stress response of open heart surgery and producing good clinical outcomes.

Effects of multimodal low-opioid anesthesia protocol during on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The most favorable anesthesia protocol during on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with coronary heart disease remains unclear, despite previous publications regarding the interaction between anesthesia protocol and postoperative complications. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of a multimodal low-opioid anesthesia protocol (MLOP) on early postoperative complications during on-pump CABG.

METHODS

A single-center prospective cohort study including 120 patients undergoing on-pump CABG aged 18 to 65 years, divided into two groups according to undergoing MLOP or routine-opioid anesthesia protocol (ROP). The analyzed parameters were plasma IL-6 levels, complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit stay, and hospitalization.

RESULTS

In the MLOP group, the levels of IL-6 at the end of the surgery were 25.6% significantly lower compared to the ROP group (33.4 ± 9.4 vs. 44.9 ± 15.9, p < 0.0001), the duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly shorter (2.0 (2.0; 3.0) h vs. 4.0 (3.0; 5.0) h, p < 0.001), the incidence of low cardiac output syndrome was almost two and half times lower (7 (11.7%) vs. 16 (26.7%), p = 0.037), and also the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was significantly lower (9 (15.0%) vs. 19 (31.7%), p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that using MLOP was characterized by significantly lower levels of IL-6 at the end of surgery and a lower incidence of low cardiac output syndrome and postoperative atrial fibrillation than ROP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered in clinicaltrials.gov №NCT05514652.

Pain management after cardiac surgery via median sternotomy: A systematic review with procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) recommendations

BACKGROUND

Pain after cardiac surgery via median sternotomy can be difficult to treat, and if inadequately managed can lead to respiratory complications, prolonged hospital stays and chronic pain.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after cardiac surgery via median sternotomy.

DESIGN

A systematic review using PROcedure-SPECific Pain Management (PROSPECT) methodology.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published in the English language until November 2020 assessing postoperative pain after cardiac surgery via median sternotomy using analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Databases.

RESULTS

Of 319 eligible studies, 209 randomised controlled trials and three systematic reviews were included in the final analysis. Pre-operative, intra-operative and postoperative interventions that reduced postoperative pain included paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intravenous magnesium, intravenous dexmedetomidine and parasternal block/infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

The analgesic regimen for cardiac surgery via sternotomy should include paracetamol and NSAIDs, unless contraindicated, administered intra-operatively and continued postoperatively. Intra-operative magnesium and dexmedetomidine infusions may be considered as adjuncts particularly when basic analgesics are not administered. It is not clear if combining dexmedetomidine and magnesium would provide superior pain relief compared with either drug alone. Parasternal block/surgical site infiltration is also recommended. However, no basic analgesics were used in the studies assessing these interventions. Opioids should be reserved for rescue analgesia. Other interventions, including cyclo-oxygenase-2 specific inhibitors, are not recommended because there was insufficient, inconsistent or no evidence to support their use and/or due to safety concerns.

Opioid-free anesthesia versus opioid-based anesthesia in patients undergoing cardiovascular and thoracic surgery: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite their extensive clinical use, opioids are characterized by several side effects. These complications, coupled with the ongoing opioid epidemic, have favored the rise of opioid-free-anesthesia (OFA). Herein, we perform the first pairwise meta-analysis of clinical outcomes for OFA vs opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) in patients undergoing cardiovascular and thoracic surgery.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched medical databases to identify studies comparing OFA and OBA in patients undergoing cardiovascular or thoracic surgery. Pairwise meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Outcomes were pooled as risk ratios (RR) or standard mean differences (SMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Our pooled analysis included 919 patients (8 studies), of whom 488 underwent surgery with OBA and 431 with OFA. Among cardiovascular surgery patients, compared to OBA, OFA was associated with significantly reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting (RR, 0.57; P = .042), inotrope need (RR .84, P = .045), and non-invasive ventilation (RR, .54; P = .028). However, no differences were observed for 24hr pain score (SMD, -.35; P = .510) or 48hr morphine equivalent consumption (SMD, -1.09; P = .139). Among thoracic surgery patients, there was no difference between OFA and OBA for any of the explored outcomes, including post-operative nausea and vomiting (RR, 0.41; P = .025).

CONCLUSION

Through the first pooled analysis of OBA vs OFA in a cardiothoracic-exclusive cohort, we found no significant difference in any of the pooled outcomes for thoracic surgery patients. Although limited to 2 cardiovascular surgery studies, OFA was associated with significantly reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting, inotrope need, and non-invasive ventilation in these patients. With growing use of OFA in invasive operations, further studies are needed to assess their efficacy and safety in cardiothoracic patients.

Regional Anesthesia With Paravertebral Blockade Is Associated With Improved Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Minithoracotomy Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Severe postoperative pain has been shown to affect many patients following minimally invasive cardiac surgeries (MICS). Multimodal pain management with regional anesthesia, particularly by delivery of local anesthetics using a paravertebral catheter (PVC), has been shown to reduce pain in operations involving thoracotomy incisions. However, few studies have reported high-quality safety and efficacy outcomes of PVCs following MICS.

METHODS

Patients who underwent MICS at Vancouver General Hospital between 2016 and 2019 (N = 123) were reviewed for perioperative opioid-narcotic use. Primary outcomes were postoperative opioid use and hospital length of stay (LOS). Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariable regression models to determine independent risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients received routine systemic analgesia (control), 53 patients received a paravertebral catheter (PVC), and 16 patients received another mode of regional analgesia (non-PVC). The mean hospital LOS was significantly different in patients in the PVC group at 5.8 ± 2.0 days versus 8.3 ± 7.1 days in the control and 6.6 ± 2.3 days in the non-PVC group (P = 0.033). The percentage of patients who did not require postoperative oxycodone was significantly higher in the PVC group (48.1%), compared with the control (24.5%) and non-PVC (37.5%; P = 0.043) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of regional anesthesia using PVCs was associated with reduced need for opioids and a shorter LOS. The reduction in postoperative opioids may reduce the risk of potential opioid dependency in this population. Future studies should involve randomized controlled trials with systematic evaluation of pain scores to verify current study results.

Balanced Nonopioid General Anesthesia With Lidocaine Is Associated With Lower Postoperative Complications Compared With Balanced Opioid General Anesthesia With Sufentanil for Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Propensity Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

There are no data on the effect of balanced nonopioid general anesthesia with lidocaine in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The main study objective was to evaluate the association between nonopioid general balanced anesthesia and the postoperative complications in relation to opioid side effects.

METHODS

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between 2019 and 2021 were identified. After exclusion of patients for heart transplantation, left ventricular assistance device, and off-pump surgery, we classified patients according to an opioid general balanced anesthesia or a nonopioid balanced anesthesia with lidocaine. The primary outcome was a collapsed composite of postoperative complications that comprise respiratory failure and confusion, whereas secondary outcomes were acute renal injury, pneumoniae, death, intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

We identified 859 patients exposed to opioid-balanced general anesthesia with lidocaine and 913 patients exposed to nonopioid-balanced general anesthesia. Propensity score matching yielded 772 individuals in each group with balanced baseline covariates. Two hundred thirty-six patients (30.5%) of the nonopioid-balanced general anesthesia versus 186 patients (24.1%) presented postoperative composite complications. The balanced lidocaine nonopioid general anesthesia group was associated with a lower proportion with the postoperative complication composite outcome OR, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.58-0.92; P = .027). The number of patients with acute renal injury, death, and hospital length of stay did not differ between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A balanced nonopioid general anesthesia protocol with lidocaine was associated with lower odds of postoperative complication composite outcome based on respiratory failure and confusion.

Can Opioid-Free Anaesthesia Be Personalised? A Narrative Review

Background: A significant amount of evidence suggests that Opioid-Free Anaesthesia (OFA) may provide better outcomes for patients undergoing surgery, sparing patients who are particularly vulnerable to adverse side effects of opioids. However, to what extent personalizing OFA is feasible and beneficial has not been adequately described. Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of nociception and pain and its context within the field of OFA. Physiological (including monitoring), pharmacological, procedural (type of surgery), genetical and phenotypical (including patients’ conditions) were considered. Results: We did not find any monitoring robustly associated with improved outcomes. However, we found evidence supporting particular OFA indications, such as bariatric and cancer surgery. We found that vulnerable patients may benefit more from OFA, with an interesting field of research in patients suffering from vascular disease. We found a variety of techniques and medications making it impossible to consider OFA as a single technique. Our findings suggest that a vast field of research remains unexplored. In particular, a deeper understanding of nociception with an interest in its genetic and acquired contributors would be an excellent starting point paving the way for personalised OFA. Conclusion: Recent developments in OFA may present a more holistic approach, challenging the use of opioids. Understanding better nociception, given the variety of OFA techniques, may help to maximize their potential in different contexts and potential indications.

Pectoral Fascial Plane Versus Paravertebral Blocks for Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Analgesia

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the postoperative analgesic efficacy of single-injection pectoral fascial plane (PECS) II blocks compared to paravertebral blocks for elective robotic mitral valve surgery.

DESIGN

A single-center retrospective study that reported patient and procedural characteristics, postoperative pain scores, and postoperative opioid use for patients undergoing robotic mitral valve surgery.

SETTING

This investigation was performed at a large quaternary referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients (age ≥18) admitted to the authors' hospital from January 1, 2016, to August 14, 2020, for elective robotic mitral valve repair who received either a paravertebral or PECS II block for postoperative analgesia.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received an ultrasound-guided, unilateral paravertebral or PECS II nerve block.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

One hundred twenty-three patients received a PECS II block, and 190 patients received a paravertebral block during the study period. The primary outcome measures were average postoperative pain scores and cumulative opioid use. Secondary outcomes included hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, need for reoperation, need for antiemetics, surgical wound infection, and atrial fibrillation incidence. Patients receiving the PECS II block required significantly fewer opioids in the immediate postoperative period than the paravertebral block group, and had comparable postoperative pain scores. No increase in adverse outcomes was noted for either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The PECS II block is a safe and highly effective option for regional analgesia for robotic mitral valve surgery, with demonstrated efficacy comparable to the paravertebral block.

The impact of a postoperative multimodal analgesia pathway on opioid use and outcomes after cardiothoracic surgery

OBJECTIVE

The Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Cardiac Society recommends using multimodal analgesia (MMA) for postoperative pain however, evidence-based guidelines have yet to be established. This study examines the impact of a standardized postoperative MMA pathway in reducing opioid consumption and related complications after cardiothoracic surgery (CTS).

METHODS

Within a multicenter healthcare system, a postoperative MMA pathway was developed and implemented at two CTS intensive care units (ICU) while the other CTS ICU opted to maintain the existing opioid-based pathway. A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients admitted to a CTS ICU within this healthcare system after conventional coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve surgery from September 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Comparative analysis was conducted on patients prescribed MMA versus those managed with an opioid-based pathway. The primary outcome was total opioid consumption, converted to morphine milligram equivalents, 72-h post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included mobility within one-day post-surgery, ICU length of stay (LOS), time to first bowel movement (BM), and time to first zero Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS).

RESULTS

Seven hundred sixty-two adults were included for final analysis. The MMA group had a higher body mass index, higher percentage of females, were more likely classified as African American and had higher scores for risk-adjusted complications. General Linear Model analysis revealed higher opioid consumption in the MMA group (Est. 0.22, p < 0.0009); however, this was not statistically significant after adjusting for differences in fentanyl usage. The MMA group was more likely to have mobility within one-day post-surgery (OR 0.44, p < 0.0001), have longer time to first BM (OR 1.93, p = 0.0011), and longer time to first zero RASS (OR 1.62, p = 0.0071). The analgesia groups were not a predictor for ICU LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid consumption was not reduced secondary to this postoperative MMA pathway. The MMA group was more likely to have mobility within one-day post-surgery. Patients in the MMA group were also more likely to have prolonged time to first BM and first zero RASS. Development and evaluation of a perioperative MMA pathway should be considered.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as an Indicator of Opioid-Induced Immunosuppression After Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a useful prognostic marker for various diseases and surgery-induced immunosuppression. While opioids are important in general anesthesia, the association between immediate perioperative immune monitoring and opioid consumption for postoperative analgesia after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of analgesic techniques on opioid-induced immune perturbation, and the feasibility of NLR as an indicator of opioid-induced immune changes.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group P (n=40) or Group C (n=40). Patients in group P received ultrasound-guided paravertebral block (PVB) before surgery, and followed by sufentanil patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after surgery, and group C received sufentanil PCIA only. The total and differential white blood cell counts, including CD4+ T lymphocyte counts, CD8+ T lymphocyte were recorded before surgery and at 24 and 72 hours after surgery. NLR was determined using the frequencies of lymphocyte subpopulations. The cumulative dose of sufentanil were recorded at 24 and 24h after surgery while the 40-item quality of recovery questionnaire (QoR-40) score were assessed at 48h after the surgery.

Results

At 24 and 48 hours after surgery, a lower sufentanil consumption, and higher QoR-40 recovery scores were found in group P than in group C (P<0.05). In biochemical analyses, the values of NLR were lower in group P compared to group C (p<0.0001) and ratio of CD4/CD8 were higher in group P compared to group C (p<0.05) on day three after surgery. NLR showed excellent predictive capability for immunosuppression, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86-0.98, P < 0.0001].

Conclusion

Opioid-sparing pain management strategies may affect postoperative immunosuppression and NLR could be a reliable indicator of opioid-related immunosuppression. Moreover, opioid-sparing pain management strategies could improve patient's satisfaction in VATS.

Perioperative Pain Management With Bilateral Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Open Cardiac Surgery

Purposes

Pediatric open cardiac surgical patients usually suffer from acute pain after operation. The current work aimed to explore the impact of bilateral PIFB in children suffering from open cardiac surgery.

Methods

This work randomized altogether 110 child patients as bilateral PIFB (PIF) and non-nerve block (SAL) groups. This work adopted post-operative pain at exercise and rest statuses as the primary endpoint, whereas time-to-drain removal/extubation/initial defecation, intraoperative/post-operative fentanyl use, and length of ICU and hospital stay as the secondary endpoints.

Results

MOPS were significantly higher at 24-h post-operatively at coughing and rest statuses in SAL group compared with PIF group. Meanwhile, PIF group exhibited markedly lower intraoperative/post-operative fentanyl use amounts, as well as markedly reduced time-to-extubation/initial flatus, and length of ICU/hospital stay.

Conclusion

Bilateral PIFB in pediatric open cardiac surgical patients provide effective analgesia and lower the length of hospital stay.

The Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Transversus Thoracic Muscle Plane Block After Open-Heart Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background

We aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus thoracic muscle plane block after open-heart surgeries.

Methods

Seventy patients aged above 18 years and scheduled for valve replacement or adult congenital via median sternotomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, randomized by computer-generated random numbers: the block group, which had the ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus thoracic muscle plane block, and the control group, which had a sham block. The primary outcome was total fentanyl consumption in the first 24-hours. The secondary outcomes were pain score, time to the first analgesic request, time to extubation, ICU stays, and hospital stay.

Results

The total fentanyl consumption in the first 24 hours was significantly lower in the block group, with a mean difference of −158.286 (95% CI = (−179.271 to −137.300; p =<0.0001)). The time to the first analgesic request was statistically significantly shorter in the non-block group (median 3 hours) than the block group (median 14 hours). During the postoperative period (0.5–24 hours), at-rest pain scores were 1.86 units lower in the block group (the estimate was −1.80, 95% CI = −2.14 to −1.45, t = −10.323 with p < 0.0001). Likewise, pain scores with cough were 3.29 units lower in the block group (the estimate was −3.29, 95% CI = −3.80 to −2.77, t = −12.703, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Bilateral transversus thoracic muscle plane block is a promising and effective technique in reducing opioid consumption and controlling post-sternotomy pain after open-heart surgery via median sternotomy.

Intrathecal Morphine for Analgesia in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blinded Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Intrathecal morphine decreases postoperative pain in standard cardiac surgery. Its safety and effectiveness have not been adequately evaluated in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. The authors hypothesized that intrathecal morphine would decrease postoperative morphine consumption after minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

METHODS

In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial, patients undergoing robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass received either intrathecal morphine (5 mcg/kg) or intrathecal saline before surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative morphine equivalent consumption in the first 24 h after surgery; secondary outcomes included pain scores, side effects, and patient satisfaction. Pain was assessed via visual analog scale at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after intensive care unit arrival. Opioid-related side effects (nausea/vomiting, pruritus, urinary retention, respiratory depression) were assessed daily. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with the Revised American Pain Society Outcome Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients were randomized to receive intrathecal morphine (n = 37) or intrathecal placebo (n = 42), with 70 analyzed (morphine 33, placebo 37). Intrathecal morphine patients required significantly less median (25th to 75th percentile) morphine equivalents compared to placebo during first postoperative 24 h (28 [16 to 46] mg vs. 59 [41 to 79] mg; difference, -28 [95% CI, -40 to -18]; P < 0.001) and second postoperative 24 h (0 [0 to 2] mg vs. 5 [0 to 6] mg; difference, -3.3 [95% CI, -5 to 0]; P < 0.001), exhibited significantly lower visual analog scale pain scores at rest and cough at all postoperative timepoints (overall treatment effect, -4.1 [95% CI, -4.9 to -3.3] and -4.7 [95% CI, -5.5 to -3.9], respectively; P < 0.001), and percent time in severe pain (10 [0 to 40] vs. 40 [20 to 70]; P = 0.003) during the postoperative period. Mild nausea was more common in the intrathecal morphine group (36% vs. 8%; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

When given before induction of anesthesia for totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass, intrathecal morphine decreases use of postoperative opioids and produces significant postoperative analgesia for 48 h.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Ultrasound-Guided Continuous Bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Blocks Are Associated with Reduced Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay for Open Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

This study tested the hypothesis that continuous bilateral erector spinae plane blocks placed preoperatively would reduce opioid consumption and improve outcomes compared with standard practice in open cardiac surgery patients. Patients who received bilateral continuous erector spinae plane blocks for primary open coronary bypass, aortic valve, or ascending aortic surgery were compared to a historical control group. Patients in the block group received a 0.5% ropivacaine bolus preoperatively followed by a 0.2% ropivacaine infusion begun postoperatively. No other changes were made to the perioperative care protocol. The primary outcome was opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes were time to extubation and length of stay. Twenty-eight patients received continuous erector spinae plane blocks and fifty patients served as historic controls. Patients who received blocks consumed less opioids, expressed as oral morphine equivalents, both intraoperatively (34 ± 17 vs. 224 ± 125 mg) and during their hospitalization (224 ± 108 vs. 461 ± 185 mg). Patients who received blocks had shorter times to extubation (126 ± 87 vs. 257 ± 188 min) and lengths of stay in the intensive care unit (35 ± 17 vs. 58 ± 42 h) and hospital (5.6 ± 1.6 vs. 7.7 ± 4.6 days). Continuous erector spinae plane blocks placed prior to open cardiac surgical procedures reduced opioid consumption, time to extubation, and length of stay compared to a standard perioperative pathway.

Continuous Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block Provides Effective Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Open Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The optimal analgesia regimen after open cardiac surgery was unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of continuous Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block (PIFB) blocks initiated before surgery on outcomes following open cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A group of 116 patients were randomly allocated to either receive bilateral continuous PIFB (PIF group) or the same block with saline (SAL group). The primary endpoint was postoperative pain at 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h after extubation at rest and exercise. The secondary outcome measures included analgesia requirements (sufentanil and flurbiprofen consumption), time to extubation, length of stay in the ICU, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), time until return of bowel function, time to mobilization, urinary catheter removal and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The length of stay in the ICU (29 ± 7 h vs 13 ± 4 h, p < 0.01) and length of hospital stay (8.9 ± 0.9 d vs 6.5 ± 1.1 d, p < 0.01) was significantly longer in the SAL group than in the PIF group. Resting pain scores (2 h after extubation : 1.1 vs 3.3, p < 0.01; 4 h after extubation : 1.0 vs 3.5, p < 0.01; 8 h after extubation : 1.2 vs 3.7, p < 0.01; 16 h after extubation : 1.3 vs 3.7, p < 0.01; 24 h after extubation : 1.4 vs 2.8, p < 0.01; 48 h after extubation : 0.9 vs 2.2, p < 0.01; 72 h after extubation : 0.8 vs 2.1, p < 0.01) and dynamic pain scores (2 h after extubation : 1.4 vs 3.7, p < 0.01; 4 h after extubation : 1.3 vs 3.8, p < 0.01; 8 h after extubation : 1.4 vs 3.5, p < 0.01; 16 h after extubation : 1.2 vs 3.4, p < 0.01; 24 h after extubation : 1.1 vs 3.1, p < 0.01; 48 h after extubation : 1.0 vs 2.9, p < 0.01; 72 h after extubation: 0.9 vs 2.8, p < 0.01) were significantly lower in PIF group compared with SAL group at all time points. The PIF group required significantly less intraoperative (123 ± 32 μg vs 63 ± 16 μg, p < 0.01) and postoperative sufentanil (102 ± 22 μg vs 52 ± 17 μg, p < 0.01) consumption, postoperative flurbiprofen consumption (350 ± 100 mg vs 100 ± 100 mg, p < 0.01) than the SAL groups. Time to extubation (8.9 ± 2.4 h vs 3.2 ± 1.3 h, p < 0.01), time to first flatus (43 ± 6 h vs 30 ± 7 h, p < 0.01), time until mobilization (35 ± 5 h vs 24 ± 7 h, p < 0.01), time until urinary catheter removal (47 ± 9 h vs 31 ± 4 h, p < 0.01) was significantly earlier in the PIF group than in the SAL group. The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the PIF group (9.1% vs 27.3%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Bilateral continuous PIFB reduced the length of hospital stay and provided effective postoperative pain for three days.

Persistent Pain After Cardiac Surgery: Prevention and Management

Persistent postoperative pain (PPP) after cardiac surgery is a significant complication that negatively affects patient quality of life and increases health care system burden. However, there are no standards or guidelines to inform how to mitigate these effects. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss strategies to prevent and manage PPP after cardiac surgery. Adequate perioperative analgesia may prove instrumental in the prevention of PPP. Although opioids have historically been the primary analgesic approach to cardiac surgery, an opioid-sparing strategy may prove advantageous in reducing side effects, avoiding secondary hyperalgesia, and decreasing risk of PPP. Implementing a multimodal analgesic plan using alternative medications and regional anesthetic techniques may offer superior efficacy while reducing adverse effects.

Effects of bilateral Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block for perioperative pain management in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Open cardiac surgical patients may experience severe acute poststernotomy pain. The ultrasound-guided Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block (PIFB) can cover anterior branches of intercostal nerves from T2 to T6. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilateral PIFB in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A group of 108 patients were randomly allocated to either receive bilateral PIFB (PIFB group) or no nerve block (SALI group). The primary endpoint was postoperative pain. The secondary outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative sufentanil and parecoxib consumption, time to extubation, time to first feces, length of stay in the ICU and the length of hospital stay. Insulin, glucose, insulin resistance and interleukin (IL)-6 at 1, 2, 3 days after surgery were mearsured. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to measure perioperative insulin resistance.

RESULTS

The PIFB group reported significantly less sufentanil and parecoxib consumption than the SALI group. Compared to the PIFB group, the SALI group had higher Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at 24 h after operation both at rest and during coughing. The time to extubation, length of stay in the ICU and length of hospital stay were significantly decreased in the PIFB group compared with the SALI group. The PIFB group had a lower insulin, glucose, IL-6, HOMA-IR level than the SALI group 3 days after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral PIFB provides effective analgesia and accelerates recovery in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( ChiCTR 2000030609 ) on 08/03/2020.

Bilateral transversus thoracis muscle plane block provides effective analgesia and enhances recovery after open cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

The mid-sternum is the main source of pain after open cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilateral transversus thoracis muscle plane (TTMP) blocks on open cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups: bilateral TTMP blocks (TP group) or no nerve block (CO group). The primary endpoint was perioperative sufentanil consumption. The secondary outcome measures included postoperative pain, flurbiprofen axetil administration, quality of sleep after extubation, time to extubation, time to the return of gastrointestinal function, time to drain removal, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay time, and hospital stay.

RESULTS

The TP group reported significantly less sufentanil and flurbiprofen axetil consumption than the CO group. The CO group had higher Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after extubation both at rest and during movement than the TP groups. Compared with the CO group，time to extubation, time to the first bowel movement, ICU stay time, and hospital stay were significantly decreased in the TP group. The TP group was rated as better in the quality of the two nights of sleep after extubation.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral TTMP blocks can provide good perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing open cardiac surgery and promote postoperative recovery.

Nonopioid Analgesics in Postoperative Pain Management After Cardiac Surgery

Opioid analgesia is still considered the standard of practice for cardiac surgery. In recent years, combinations of several nonnarcotic analgesics and regional analgesia have shown promise in restricting opioid use during and after cardiac surgery. Ketamine infusion, dexmedetomidine infusion, acetaminophen, ketorolac, and gabapentin are useful adjuvants in cardiac anesthesia practice and have opioid-sparing properties. The beneficial effects of nonnarcotic multimodal analgesia on intraoperative stress response, recovery profile, postoperative pain, and persistent opioid use after cardiac surgery are yet to be established, and further randomized clinical trials are required.

Pharmacological Conditioning of the Heart: An Update on Experimental Developments and Clinical Implications

The aim of pharmacological conditioning is to protect the heart against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and its consequences. There is extensive literature that reports a multitude of different cardioprotective signaling molecules and mechanisms in diverse experimental protocols. Several pharmacological agents have been evaluated in terms of myocardial I/R injury. While results from experimental studies are immensely encouraging, translation into the clinical setting remains unsatisfactory. This narrative review wants to focus on two aspects: (1) give a comprehensive update on new developments of pharmacological conditioning in the experimental setting concentrating on recent literature of the last two years and (2) briefly summarize clinical evidence of these cardioprotective substances in the perioperative setting highlighting their clinical implications. By directly opposing each pharmacological agent regarding its recent experimental knowledge and most important available clinical data, a clear overview is given demonstrating the remaining gap between basic research and clinical practice. Finally, future perspectives are given on how we might overcome the limited translatability in the field of pharmacological conditioning.

Perioperative Cardioprotection: Clinical Implications

Perioperative cardioprotection aims to minimize the consequences of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In isolated tissue and animal experiments, several treatments have been identified providing cardioprotection. Some of these strategies have been confirmed in clinical proof-of-concept studies. However, the final translation of cardioprotective strategies to really improve clinical outcome has been disappointing: large randomized controlled clinical trials mostly revealed inconclusive, neutral, or negative results. This review provides an overview of the currently available evidence regarding clinical implications of perioperative cardioprotective therapies from an anesthesiological perspective, highlighting nonpharmacological as well as pharmacological strategies. We discuss reasons why translation of promising experimental results into clinical practice and outcome improvement is hampered by potential confounders and suggest future perspectives to overcome these limitations.

Malewicz N, Ebel M, K. Zahn P, H. Meyer-Frießem C. Pupillometric Monitoring of Nociception in Cardiac Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

High-dose opioids are conventionally used for cardiac anesthesia, but without monitoring of nociception. In non-cardiac surgical procedures the intra - operative dose of opioids can be individualized and reduced with pupillometric monitoring of the pupillary pain index (PPI; scale 1-9). A randomized controlled trial was carried out to explore whether pupillometry can be used for nociception monitoring in cardiac anesthesia and whether it leads to opioid reduction.

METHODS

A sample of 57 cardiac surgery patients receiving continuously administered sufentanil (initial dosage 0.7 μg*kg-¹*h-¹) was divided into a PPI group (sufentanil reduction if PPI<3 up to a minimum of 0.15 μg*kg-¹*h-¹, n=32) and a control group (standard anesthesia; n = 25). The primary outcome was the time from the end of anesthesia to extubation. The secondary outcomes were total intraoperative dose of sufentanil/noradrenaline, postoperative pain intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS] 0-10) and intraoperative awareness. German Clinical Trials Registry no. DRKS 00012329.

RESULTS

The primary outcome, extubation time, did not differ between the two groups (1.14 h, 95% confidence interval [-0.99; 3.27], p = 0.592). Compared with the control patients (68% male, age 70 ± 10.4 years, PPI 1.1 ± 0.2), the mean sufentanil infusion rate in the PPI patients (81% male, age 68 ± 10.3 years, PPI 1.1 ± 0.2) decreased by 81.8% (-0.68 μg*kg-¹*h-¹ [-0,7; -0.67], p<0.001) to the predetermined minimum level, without intraoperative awareness. Moreover, the noradrenaline dose was reduced by 56% (1235.51 μg [321.91; 2149.12], p = 0.005) and the postoperative pain intensity by 45% (2.11 NRS [0.93; 3.3] after 24 h, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Pupillometry is appropriate for nociception monitoring in cardiac anesthesia. Thereby a considerable reduction of intraoperative opioids as well as increased intraoperative hemodynamic stability was achieved and postoperative opioid-induced hyperalgesia was prevented. The consistently low PPI scores, indicating adequate analgesia, suggest that further reduction of opioid doses is feasible.

Ultrasound-guided Modified Parasternal Intercostal Nerve Block: Role of Preemptive Analgesic Adjunct for Mitigating Poststernotomy Pain

Background and Aim

To assess the quality and effectiveness of postoperative pain relief after fast-tracking tracheal extubation in cardiac surgery intensive care unit, effected by a single-shot modified parasternal intercostal nerve block compared with routine in-hospital analgesic protocol, when administered before sternotomy.

Design

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded interventional study.

Setting

Single-center tertiary teaching hospital.

Participants

Ninety adult patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Materials and Methods

Patients were randomized into two groups. Patients in the parasternal intercostal block group (PIB) (n = 45) received ultrasound-guided modified parasternal intercostal nerve block with 0.5% levobupivacaine after anesthesia induction at 2^nd-6^th intercostal space along postinduction using standardized anesthesia drugs with routine postoperative hospital analgesic protocol with intravenous morphine. Patients in the group following routine hospital analgesia protocol (HAP) (n = 45) served as controls, with standardized anesthesia drugs and routine hospital postoperative analgesic protocol with intravenous morphine. The primary study outcome aimed to evaluate pain at rest and when doing deep breathing exercises with spirometry, coughing expectorations using a 11-point numerical rating scale.

Results

The postoperative pain score at rest and during breathing exercises was compared between the two groups at different time durations (15 min after extubation and every 4^th hourly for 24 h). Patients in the PIB group had significantly lower pain scores and better quality of analgesia during the entire study period at rest and during breathing exercise (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the side effect profile and need of rescue analgesics were better in the PIB group than the HAP group at different time intervals.

Conclusion

PIB is safe for presternotomy administration and provided significant quality of pain relief postoperatively, as seen after tracheal extubation for a period of 24 h, on rest as well as with deep breathing, coughing, and chest physiotherapy exercises when compared to intravenous morphine alone after sternotomy. This study further emphasizes the role of preemptive analgesia in mitigating postoperative sternotomy pain and it's role as a plausible safe analgesic adjunct facilitating fast tracking with sternotomies on systemic heparinization.