This study aims to assess the impact of bilateral deep parasternal intercostal plane block on intraoperative opioid consumption in open heart surgery

High-dose opioid is associated with various side effects such as nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, and respiratory depression. The neuraxial block (intrathecal, epidural) and peripheral nerve block are regional anesthesia techniques which have the potential to reduce intraoperative opioid consumption. The deep parasternal intercostal plane block is fascial plane block which intended to block anterior cutaneous branch of intercostal nerves.

This study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Thirty subjects will be recruited with consecutive sampling method. Eligible subjects with signed informed consent will be randomized into two groups. The first group is the treatment group who will receive bilateral deep parasternal intercostal plane block after induction of anesthesia and the second group will be the control group who will not receive any regional anesthesia. After surgery, extubation time, adverse event (nausea, vomiting), and intensive care unit length of stay will be recorded for both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-70 years old
• Elective open-heart surgery with median sternotomy approach

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient who refuses to participate
• Patient with local infection in the block area
• Patient with chronic pain
• Patient with history of chronic analgesics use
• Patient who is contraindicated for local anesthetics
• Patient with cognitive disorder
• Patient with severe psychiatric disorders