Regional Anesthesia for Cardiothoracic Enhanced Recovery
(RACER Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byJessica Brodt, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Stanford University

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel regional analgesic technique that provides pain relief with a peripheral nerve block catheter. The goal of this study is to see if bilateral ESPB catheters can improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery via sternotomy, such as decreasing the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, need for intravenous opioid medications, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and improving pain scores.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Give consent to participate in study

You had heart surgery to fix your coronary arteries or heart valves.

You have had heart surgery more than once.

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have heart failure with symptoms.

Participants who cannot give consent

Patients who are clinically unstable or require urgent/emergent intervention

+4 more

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Bilateral ESP catheter with LidocaineExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

All participants will get the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) catheters. Prior to transfer to the operating room, participants will receive bilateral ESP catheters at T7 level under ultrasound guidance. This arm is the treatment group and will receive lidocaine via alternating side automated infusion pump bolus dosing, continued until chest tube removal or postoperative day 5 (whichever occurs earliest).

Group II: Bilateral ESP catheter with salinePlacebo Group1 Intervention

All participants will get the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) catheters. This arm is the control group and will have normal saline administered via ESP catheters, continued until chest tube removal or postoperative day 5 (whichever occurs earliest).