Exparel vs. Marcaine ESP Block for Post-cardiac Surgical Pain

Launched by RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY · Oct 4, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two different pain management techniques for patients undergoing heart surgery, specifically comparing Exparel® (a long-lasting pain relief medication) with Marcaine® (a common local anesthetic). Researchers want to see which method provides better pain relief and overall outcomes after surgeries like valve repairs or bypass grafts. The trial is currently recruiting participants aged 18 and older who are scheduled for these types of surgeries at a specific medical center.

To be eligible, participants should not have any ongoing chronic pain conditions or be on pain medications, and they should not need any unexpected additional surgeries during their procedure. The study will help doctors understand how to manage pain more effectively after heart surgeries, which can lead to improved recovery experiences for patients. If you or someone you know is considering participating, you can expect to receive one of the two treatments before your surgery and be monitored for pain levels and recovery progress afterward.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults (18 years-no upper age limit)
• • Scheduled for mini thoracotomy (i.e. valve repair) or open sternotomy (i.e. bypass graft) at single academic medical center (in and out-patients).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Patients will be excluded if they:
• • Are currently on pain medication or pain regimen for chronic pain condition
• • Convert to sternotomy (for thoracotomies)
• • Require, upon intraoperative discovery and surgeon's decision, the need for an unplanned secondary procedure other than the originally scheduled index operation
• • Undergo emergent surgery
• • Are non-English speaking (The majority of the PI's patient population speak English. As a pilot study the investigators cannot afford to enroll non-English speaking subjects due to time, personnel, and financial constraints.)
• • Mechanical circulatory support (MCS)
• • Vasoactive medications
• • Intubated
• • Active infection
• • Patients otherwise deemed ineligible for ESP block by the investigators due to safety concerns.

Trial Officials