High Versus Low Dose Serratus Anterior Plane Block After Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery.
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study aims to compare the efficacy and quality of pain relief provided by the high-dose serratus anterior plane (SAP) block with the standard SAP block in preventing and treating acute postoperative pain after total endoscopic aortic or mitral valve surgery.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Scheduled for elective aortic valve surgery or elective mitral valve surgery via right anterolateral thoracotomy * Adult patients (minimally 18 years old) * Bodyweight \> 50kg * EuroScore ii \< 3% Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to participate * Inability to communicate due to language or neurologic barriers * Inability to control and self-administer opioids with PCIA or to comprehend the NRS pain score due to confusion or learning difficulties * Chronic use of opioids * Chronic use of analgesic antidepressants and/or antiepileptics * Use of prohibited medication which possibly interacts with bupivacaine-epinephrine or opioids (mexiletine, ketoconazole, theophylline, IMAO, Digitalis and cimetidine) * History of major trauma or surgery to right chest wall * History of chronic pain at right chest wall * Allergy to opioids and/or local anesthetics * Allergy to paracetamol * Class 3 obesity (BMI 40 or more) * Pregnancy * Intraoperative events compromising early postoper