Cardiothoracic & vascular anesthesia
Maximum extension and regression rate of cutaneous sensory block: superficial vs. deep parasternal intercostal plane blocks in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery
Authors' conclusion
The S-PIP and D-PIP blocks provided comparable and extensive sensory coverage of the anterior thorax.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing open cardiac surgery (median sternotomy)
- Participants
- 30 patients
- Exposure
- Superficial vs deep parasternal intercostal plane block
- S-PIPn = 15
- D-PIPn = 15
- Outcome
- Proportion of the blocked thoracic area (cold stimulation, dermatomal mapping)
- Follow-up
- 30 min
Methodological detailssingle-centre
- Single-centre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Total blocked area
P = 0.584
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
- Postoperative opioid consumption — Opioid consumption, S-PIP vs D-PIP · no significant difference
- 10 [5] mg vs. 9 [3] mg · P = 0.121
Dermatomal coverage · 30 min
- Both blocks gave consistent coverage of T2-T6, with T1 and T7 also involved in some patients
Regression of sensory block · 12 h and 24 h
- Significant sensory block persisted at 12 h and partially regressed after 24 h
Pain scores · 12 and 24 h
- No significant difference between groups
Original publication
Maximum extension and regression rate of cutaneous sensory block: superficial vs. deep parasternal intercostal plane blocks in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery. J Clin Anesth. Published 30 May 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →