Superficial and Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block: Anatomical Evidence of Dye Spread
Authors' conclusion
DPIP blocks produce a wider craniocaudal spread than SPIP blocks, which may enhance clinical efficacy.
Study context
- Population
- Fresh-frozen human cadavers, academic anatomy facility in northern Italy10 hemithoraces
- Participants
- 5 participants
- Comparison
- Deep parasternal intercostal plane (DPIP) vs superficial parasternal intercostal plane (SPIP) block
- Outcome
- Cranio-caudal dye spread (number of intercostal spaces)
Methodological detailsultrasound-guided, bilateral injections, histology
- Ultrasound-guided
- Bilateral injections
- Histology
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Intercostal spaces reached
DPIP
4
median · IQR 4–5
SPIP
2
median · IQR 2–2
P < 0.001
Further findings
Distance internal thoracic artery to fourth rib (histology)
- Median distance, IQR 1.7-2.2 mm; separated only by soft tissue
- 1.9 mm
Original publication
Superficial and Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block: Anatomical Evidence of Dye Spread. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. Published 21 November 2025. doi:10.
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