Postoperative Pain Therapy With Hydromorphone TCI-PCA vs. Morphine PCA

Phase 4 Study of Postoperative Pain Therapy With Hydromorphone Using Patient-Controlled Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI-PCA) vs. Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) With Morphine After Elective Cardiac Surgery

Treatment of postoperative pain with hydromorphone (a strong analgesic) using patient-controlled analgesia with target-controlled infusion compared to conventional patient-controlled analgesia with morphine after elective cardiac surgery

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent
• Scheduled for elective cardiac surgery involving thoracotomy and subsequent ICU stay

Exclusion Criteria:

• Administration of other analgesics or sedatives, if not administered in stable dosages for at least 14 days or if not used for premedication and surgery
• Administration of hydromorphone or morphine in the period between screening and surgery
• Severe hepatic or renal impairment in medical history
• BMI>= 35 ASA>= 4