ESPB Versus Combined PIPB and RIB for Analgesia in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

November 9, 2026 updated by: Ankara Etlik City Hospital

Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Combined Parasternal Intercostal Plane and Rhomboid Intercostal Blocks Versus Erector Spinae Plane Block in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Pain after minimally invasive cardiac surgery can affect breathing, movement, and recovery. Regional anesthesia techniques may help reduce postoperative pain and the need for opioid pain medications.

This study aims to compare two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia approaches for pain management after minimally invasive cardiac surgery: erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and a combination of parasternal intercostal plane block (PIPB) and rhomboid intercostal block (RIB).

A total of 56 adult patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive ESPB, while the other group will receive the combined PIPB and RIB technique. Both approaches will use the same total dose of local anesthetic and will be performed after induction of general anesthesia and before surgery.

The main objective is to compare how pain scores at rest change between the two groups during the first 12 hours after removal of the breathing tube. Pain will be assessed using a numerical scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).

The study will also evaluate postoperative opioid consumption, additional pain measurements, quality of recovery, and block-related adverse events. Quality of recovery will be assessed using the QoR-15T questionnaire before surgery and 48 hours after extubation.Patient-reported acceptability of postoperative pain management will also be evaluated using a Likert scale at 48 hours postoperatively.

The findings may help identify effective regional anesthesia strategies for postoperative pain management in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

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Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

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Detailed Description

Postoperative pain management is an important component of enhanced recovery after minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). Although minimally invasive approaches avoid conventional median sternotomy, patients may experience substantial pain related to the thoracic incision, intercostal tissue injury, and chest drains.

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques are increasingly used as part of multimodal analgesia in cardiac surgery. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a fascial plane block that may provide analgesia through the spread of local anesthetic across multiple thoracic segments. The combined parasternal intercostal plane block (PIPB) and rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) approach targets different regions of the thoracic wall and may provide complementary analgesic coverage.

This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial will compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of unilateral ESPB with combined PIPB and RIB in 56 adult patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Following induction of general anesthesia and before surgical incision, patients will receive one of two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia approaches. The ESPB group will receive 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine on the surgical side. The combined-block group will receive 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine for PIPB and 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine for RIB. The total local anesthetic dose will be identical between groups.

All patients will receive standardized perioperative care and multimodal postoperative analgesia, including acetaminophen and patient-controlled tramadol analgesia.

The primary outcome will be the between-group difference in the trajectory of resting Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after extubation, evaluated through the group-by-time interaction.

Secondary outcomes will include postoperative pain measurements at additional time points, cumulative tramadol consumption during the first 24 hours, time to first rescue analgesia, postoperative quality of recovery assessed using the Turkish version of the Quality of Recovery-15 questionnaire (QoR-15T),Patient-reported acceptability of postoperative pain management will also be assessed using a Likert scale at 48 hours postoperatively and block-related adverse events.

The study aims to determine whether the combined PIPB and RIB approach offers a clinically useful alternative to ESPB for postoperative analgesia after minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
56

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

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Study Locations

Participation Criteria

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Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 80 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients aged 18-80 years.
  • Patients scheduled for elective minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS).
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III.
  • Body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 35 kg/m².
  • Ability to communicate adequately in Turkish and participate in postoperative pain assessments.
  • Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Age younger than 18 years or older than 80 years.
  • ASA physical status IV.
  • BMI below 18 or above 35 kg/m².
  • Severe hepatic or renal dysfunction.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Dementia, psychiatric disorders, or cognitive impairment preventing reliable cooperation or pain assessment.
  • Language barriers preventing effective communication.
  • History of alcohol, substance, or medication dependence.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Active Comparator: Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) group

Patients allocated to this group will receive a unilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) at the T5 vertebral level on the surgical side after induction of general anesthesia and before surgical incision. A total of 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (75 mg) will be administered.
Procedure: Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB)

An ultrasound-guided unilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) will be performed at the T5 vertebral level on the surgical side after induction of general anesthesia and before surgical incision. A total of 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (75 mg) will be injected into the fascial plane between the erector spinae muscle and the transverse process.
Experimental: Combined Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block and Rhomboid Intercostal Block

Patients allocated to this group will receive a combination of ultrasound-guided parasternal intercostal plane block (PIPB) and rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) after induction of general anesthesia and before surgical incision. A total of 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine will be administered for PIPB and 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine for RIB on the surgical side. The total local anesthetic volume will be 30 mL (75 mg).
Procedure: Combined Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block (PIPB) and Rhomboid Intercostal Block (RIB)

Following induction of general anesthesia and before surgical incision, patients will receive two ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks on the surgical side. A parasternal intercostal plane block (PIPB) will be performed with 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, followed by a rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) with 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine injected between the rhomboid major and intercostal muscles. The total administered volume will be 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine (75 mg).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Postoperative Resting Pain Scores Assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Time Frame: At 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after extubation

Postoperative pain intensity at rest will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Measurements will be obtained at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after extubation. The primary outcome will be the group-by-time interaction in resting NRS scores, comparing the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) group with the combined parasternal intercostal plane block and rhomboid intercostal block (PIPB + RIB) group using a repeated-measures statistical approach.
At 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after extubation

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Cumulative Postoperative Tramadol Consumption Within 24 Hours
Time Frame: From extubation to 24 hours after extubation

Total tramadol consumption (mg) during the first 24 hours after extubation will be recorded. Postoperative patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) will be provided using tramadol with a 10 mg bolus dose, a 10-minute lockout interval, and no basal infusion. Cumulative tramadol consumption will be compared between the ESPB and combined PIPB + RIB groups. Higher consumption indicates greater postoperative opioid requirements.
From extubation to 24 hours after extubation
Postoperative Pain Score at Rest at 24 Hours
Time Frame: 24 hours after extubation

Postoperative pain intensity at rest will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Pain scores will be recorded at 24 hours after extubation and compared between the ESPB and combined PIPB + RIB groups. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
24 hours after extubation
Change in Quality of Recovery-15 Turkish Version (QoR-15T) Score
Time Frame: Preoperatively (baseline) and 48 hours after extubation

Quality of postoperative recovery will be assessed using the validated Turkish version of the 15-item Quality of Recovery questionnaire (QoR-15T). The questionnaire evaluates five domains: pain, physical comfort, physical independence, psychological support, and emotional state. Each item is scored from 0 to 10, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 150, with higher scores indicating better recovery quality. The QoR-15T will be administered preoperatively and at 48 hours after extubation. The change in total score from baseline to 48 hours will be compared between the ESPB and combined PIPB + RIB groups.
Preoperatively (baseline) and 48 hours after extubation
Patient-Reported Acceptability of Postoperative Pain Management at 48 Hours
Time Frame: 48 hours after extubation

Patient-reported acceptability of postoperative pain management will be assessed using a five-point Likert scale at 48 hours after extubation. Patients will rate their agreement with the statement, "The level of pain I experienced after surgery was acceptable to me." Responses will be scored as follows: 1 = Strongly disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither agree nor disagree, 4 = Agree, and 5 = Strongly agree. Higher scores indicate greater acceptability of postoperative pain management. The distribution of responses will be compared between the ESPB and combined PIPB + RIB groups.
48 hours after extubation
Time to First Rescue Analgesia
Time Frame: Within 24 hours after extubation

Time elapsed from extubation to the first administration of rescue analgesia, measured in minutes.
Within 24 hours after extubation
Incidence of Block-related Adverse Events
Time Frame: Within 24 hours after block administration

Number of participants experiencing block-related adverse events, including pneumothorax and local anesthetic systemic toxicity.
Within 24 hours after block administration
Postoperative Pain Score During Movement at 24 Hours
Time Frame: 24 hours after extubation

Postoperative pain intensity during movement will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Pain scores will be recorded at 24 hours after extubation and compared between the ESPB and combined PIPB + RIB groups. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
24 hours after extubation

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Ankara Etlik City Hospital

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: havva sayhan kaplan, MD, Ankara Etlik City Hospital

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
December 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
March 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
March 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
November 9, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
November 9, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
November 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
November 13, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
November 9, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
November 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • MICS-ESPB-PIPRIB-2026

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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