Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy
Published on: June 25, 2013
Post-operative opioid consumption after single-shot versus continuous erector spinae plane block in cardiac surgery:
Iván Fernando Quintero-Cifuentes1, Alejandra Holguín-Noreña2, Katheryne Chaparro-Mendoza2
1Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5150-1743.
Objective:
To compare the efficacy of single-dose anesthetic (SDA) erector spinae plane block (ESPB) versus continuous ESPB via thoracic catheters (CATs) in managing pain and reducing opioid use in cardiac surgery patients.
Design:
Prospective, observational, longitudinal study.
Setting:
A tertiary-level hospital.
Patients:
A total of 70 patients aged 18 and above undergoing cardiovascular surgery involving sternotomy were included (35 per group).
Interventions:
Patients received either a single-dose ESPB with bupivacaine or continuous ESPB via thoracic CATs with automatic intermittent boluses of bupivacaine for 72 hours.
Main Outcome Measures:
Opioid use (primary outcome) was measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), while pain intensity (secondary outcome) was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).
Results:
The CAT group demonstrated significantly lower cumulative opioid use at 72 hours (median 12.0 MME [interquartile range {IQR} 9.0-20.0]) compared to the SDA group (median 17.0 MME [IQR 12.0-37.0], p = 0.029). Pain intensity scores on NRS showed no significant differences between groups. Post-operative nausea was less frequent in the CAT group (17.1 percent vs 40.0 percent, p = 0.034). No major complications were observed in either group.
Conclusions:
Continuous ESPB via thoracic CATs provides superior opioid-sparing effects compared to single-dose ESPB in cardiac surgery patients while maintaining comparable pain relief and safety. This technique may enhance recovery protocols by reducing opioid-associated side effects. Further research is warranted to explore adjuvants and optimize ESPB protocols in cardiac surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...