Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block Research Articles

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided pecto-intercostal fascial block and transversus thoracis muscle plane block for postoperative analgesia in cardiac surgery in adult patients: A randomized study

ABSTRACT Background Insufficient management of postoperative pain is a notable issue encountered by individuals after open-heart operations. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB) and transversus thoracis muscle plane (TTB) on the analgesic efficacy in adult patients undergoing open-heart operations and the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). Methods A randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted on a cohort of 90 adult patients with elective open-heart surgery, namely valve replacement, with midline sternotomy. Patients were divided into three groups of similar size. The first group (control group) received conventional systemic analgesia alone, while the second group received bilateral TTB and the third group received bilateral PIFB, using ultra-sound guided technique. Results A significant reduction in NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) values was observed in both the TTB group and the PIFB group as compared to the control group at zero, three and 6-hour postoperative. The PIFB and TTB group exhibited an important delay in the initiation of first rescue analgesia, as well as a reduction in the overall intake of fentanyl for rescue purposes during a twenty-four-hour period. Additionally, the TTB group and the PIFB group demonstrated considerably shorter durations of mechanical ventilation as compared to the control group. Conclusions The utilization of ultrasound TTB and PIFB demonstrated efficacy in providing postoperative analgesia compared to the control group. This was evidenced by the less requirement for additional analgesic medication, reducing postoperative pain scores and a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation.

Comparison of the effects of transversus thoracic muscle plane block and pecto-intercostal fascial block on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized study

BackgroundThere is an association exists between cardiac surgery, performed through median sternotomy, and a considerable postoperative pain.ObjectivesThe aim of the current study is to compare the effects of transversus thoracic muscle plane block (TTMPB) and pecto-intercostal fascial plane block (PIFB) upon postoperative opioid consumption among the patients who underwent open cardiac surgery.MethodsThe present prospective, randomized, comparative study was conducted among 80 patients who underwent elective on-pump cardiac surgery with sternotomy. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups with each group containing 40 individuals. For the TTMPB group, bilateral ultrasound-guided TTMPB was adopted in which 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was used on each side. In case of PIFB group, bilateral ultrasound-guided PIFB was adopted with the application of 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side. The researchers recorded the first time for rescue analgesia, the overall dosage of rescue analgesia administered in the first 24 h after the operation and the postoperative complications.ResultsThe PIFB group took significantly longer time to raise the first request for rescue analgesia (7.8 ± 1.7 h) than the TTMPB group (6.7 ± 1.4 h). Likewise, the PIFB group subjects had a remarkably lower ‘overall morphine usage’ in the first 24 h after the operation (4.8 ± 1.0 mg) than TTMPB group (7.8 ± 2.0 mg).ConclusionBilateral ultrasound-guided PIFB provided a longer time for the first analgesic demand than bilateral ultrasound-guided TTMPB in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery. In addition to this, the PIFB reported less postoperative morphine usage than the TTMPB and increases satisfaction in these patients.Trial registrationThis study was registered at Clinical Trials.gov on 28/11/2022 (registration number: NCT05627869).

The effect of pectointercostal fascial block on stress response in open heart surgery.

Activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and inflammatory processes are common forms of stress response. The increased stress response is associated with a higher chance of complications. Open hearth surgery is one of the procedures with a high-stress response. Pectointercostal fascial block (PIFB), as a new pain management option in sternotomy, has the potential to modulate the stress response. To determine the effect of PIFB on stress response in open heart surgery. This study was a Randomized Controlled Trial on 40 open heart surgery. Patients were divided into two groups, control (20 patients) and PIFB (20 patients). Primary parameters included basal and postoperative TNF-α, basal and post sternotomy ACTH, and basal, 0, and 24 hours postoperative NLR. Secondary parameters include the amount of opioid use, length of the post-operative ventilator, length of ICU stay, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperative. The PIFB group had a decrease in ACTH levels with an average change that was not significantly different from the control group (-57.71 ± 68.03 vs. -129.78 ± 140.98). The PIFB group had an average change in TNFα levels and an average increase in NLR 0 hours postoperative that was not significantly lower than the control group (TNFα: -0.52 ± 1.31 vs. 0.54 ± 1.76; NLR: 12.80 ± 3.51 vs. 14.82 ± 4.23). PIFB significantly reduced the amount of opioid use during surgery, NRS at 6, 12, and 24 hours, and the length of post-operative ventilator use (P < 0.05, CI: 95%). PIFB has a good role in reducing the stress response of open heart surgery and producing good clinical outcomes.

Effects of pecto-intercostal fascial block combined with rectus sheath block for postoperative pain management after cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB) provides analgesia for cardiac median sternotomy, but many patients complain of severe drainage pain that cannot be covered by PIFB. Rectus sheath block (RSB) has been attempted to solve this problem, but whether PIFB combined with RSB can achieve better analgesia is uncertain.MethodsThis was a single-center randomized controlled trial at Peking University People’s Hospital from September 22, 2022 to December 21, 2022. Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with a median sternotomy were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive either bilateral PIFB and RSB (PIFB + RSB group) or PIFB (PIFB group). The primary outcome was intravenous opioid consumption within 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption within 48 h, postoperative pain scores, time to extubation, and length of stay in the hospital. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α before and the first 24 h after surgery were measured.ResultsA total of 54 patients were analyzed (27 in each group). Intravenous opioid consumption within 24 h after surgery was 2.33 ± 1.77 mg in the PIFB + RSB group vs 3.81 ± 2.24 mg in the PIFB group (p = 0.010). Opioid consumption within 48 h after surgery was also reduced in the PIFB + RSB group (4.71 ± 2.71 mg vs 7.25 ± 3.76 mg, p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in pain scores, time to extubation, length of stay in hospital, or the levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α between the two groups.ConclusionsThe combination of PIFB and RSB reduced postoperative intravenous opioid consumption until 48 h after cardiac surgery.Trial registrationThis trial is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2200062017) on 19/07/2022.

Effect of pecto-intercostal fascial block on extubation time in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Epidural and paravertebral block reduce the extubation time in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia but are relatively contraindicated in heparinized patients due to the potential risk of hematoma. The Pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB) is an alternative in such patients. This is a single-center randomized controlled trial. Patients scheduled for elective open cardiac surgery were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive PIFB (30 ml 0.3% ropivacaine plus 2.5 mg dexamethasone on each side) or saline (30 ml normal saline on each side) after induction of general anesthesia. The primary outcome was extubation time after surgery. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption during surgery, postoperative pain scores, adverse events related to opioids, and length of stay in the hospital. A total of 50 patients (mean age: 61.8 years; 34 men) were randomized (25 in each group). The surgeries included sole coronary artery bypass grafting in 38 patients, sole valve surgery in three patients, and both procedures in the remaining nine patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 20 (40%) patients. The time to extubation was 9.4 ± 4.1 h in the PIFB group vs. 12.1 ± 4.6 h in the control group (p = 0.031). Opioid (sufentanil) consumption during surgery was 153.2 ± 48.3 and 199.4 ± 51.7 μg, respectively (p = 0.002). In comparison to the control group, the PIFB group had a lower pain score while coughing (1.45 ± 1.43 vs. 3.00 ± 1.71, p = 0.021) and a similar pain score at rest at 12 h after surgery. The two groups did not differ in the rate of adverse events. PIFB decreased the time to extubation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This trial is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052743) on November 4, 2021.

Pain Management of Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block Versus Intravenous Fentanyl after Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Pain Management of Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block Versus Intravenous Fentanyl after Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Ultrasound-guided bilateral continuous pecto-intercostal fascial block for post-sternotomy pain management.

Ultrasound-guided bilateral continuous pecto-intercostal fascial block for post-sternotomy pain management.

Effects of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia in cardiac surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundThe objective of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to compare the effects of single-shot ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery.MethodsThis systematic review and network meta-analysis involved cardiac surgical patients (age > 18 y) requiring median sternotomy. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science. The effects of the single-shot ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique were compared with those of placebo and no intervention. We conducted a risk assessment of bias for eligible studies and assessed the overall quality of evidence for each outcome.ResultsThe primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were pain after extubation at 12 and 24 h, postoperative nausea and vomiting, extubation time, intensive care unit discharge time, and length of hospital stay. Fifteen studies with 849 patients were included. The regional anesthesia techniques included pecto-intercostal fascial block, transversus thoracis muscle plane block, erector spinae plane (ESP) block, and pectoralis nerve block I. All the regional anesthesia techniques included significantly reduced postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h, expressed as morphine milligram equivalents (MME). The ESP block was the most effective treatment (-22.93 MME [-34.29;-11.56]).ConclusionsIn this meta-analysis, we concluded that fascial plane blocks were better than placebo when evaluating 24 h MMEs. However, it is still challenging to determine which is better, given the paucity of studies available in the literature. More randomized controlled trials are required to determine which regional anesthesia technique is better.Trial registrationPROSPERO; CRD42022315497.

Perioperative Pain Management With Bilateral Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Open Cardiac Surgery.

PurposesPediatric open cardiac surgical patients usually suffer from acute pain after operation. The current work aimed to explore the impact of bilateral PIFB in children suffering from open cardiac surgery.MethodsThis work randomized altogether 110 child patients as bilateral PIFB (PIF) and non-nerve block (SAL) groups. This work adopted post-operative pain at exercise and rest statuses as the primary endpoint, whereas time-to-drain removal/extubation/initial defecation, intraoperative/post-operative fentanyl use, and length of ICU and hospital stay as the secondary endpoints.ResultsMOPS were significantly higher at 24-h post-operatively at coughing and rest statuses in SAL group compared with PIF group. Meanwhile, PIF group exhibited markedly lower intraoperative/post-operative fentanyl use amounts, as well as markedly reduced time-to-extubation/initial flatus, and length of ICU/hospital stay.ConclusionBilateral PIFB in pediatric open cardiac surgical patients provide effective analgesia and lower the length of hospital stay.

The Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound-guided Bilateral Pectointercostal Fascial Plane Block on Sternal Wound Pain After Open Heart Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study.

We aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral pectointercostal fascial plane block after open heart surgeries. Seventy patients aged above 18 years and scheduled for on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement or both through median sternotomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 35 (block group or control group). The block group had the block performed through 20 ml of a solution of 0.25% bupivacaine plus epinephrine (5 mcg/mL), and the control group received dry needling. The primary outcome was the 24-hour cumulative morphine consumption. The secondary outcomes were time to the first analgesic request, pain score, quality of oxygenation, intensive care unit stays, and hospital stay. The cumulative morphine consumption in the first 24 hours was significantly lower in the block group, with a mean difference of -3.54 (95% confidence interval=-6.55 to -0.53; P=0.015). In addition, the median estimate time to the first analgesic request was significantly longer in the block group than in the control group. Finally, during the postoperative period (4 to 24 h), mean sternal wound objective pain scores were, on average, 0.58 units higher in the block group. pectointercostal fascial block is an effective technique in reducing morphine consumption and controlling poststernotomy pain after cardiac surgeries. Also, it may have a role in better postoperative respiratory outcomes.

Ultrasound Guided Regional Anaesthesia for Breast Surgery in High Risk Patients- A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) or breast conservative surgery (BCS) done under general anaesthesia (GA) in high-risk patients may be associated with significant morbidity, Intensive Care Unit stay and increased hospital stay leading to cost issues. In this case-series, we describe our experience with regional anesthesia for MRM or BCS and sentinel / complete axillary clearance in 61 patients with breast carcinoma who were high risk for perioperative complications in view of their co-morbidities. None required ICU or increased hospital stay postoperatively. Material &amp; Methods: Sixty-one ASA III/IV patients operated under regional anaesthesia for carcinoma of the breast were included. Multiple level USG guided thoracic paravertebral block (PVB), PECS block (1/2), Pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB), Serratus-anterior plane block (SAPB), brachial plexus block, Superficial cervical plexus blocks (SCPB), Erector spinae block (ESB) were given in different combinations. Result: There were 60 female patients (Age: 30-97 years) and 1 male patient (59 years) (Left side -27 patients, right side- 34 patients). Of the total 61 patients, 23 patients underwent BCS with axillary dissection, 36 patients underwent MRM with axillary dissection, 2 patients had MRM with Pectoralis Major muscle resection. Patients received different combinations of blocks PVB or ESB, PECS1/2 and SAPB. 43 patients received the PVB, 61 got the PECS1/2, 12 patients received ESP, 32 patients required SCPB, 1 infra-clavicular block and 35 patients got PIFB. All procedures were completed under regional anaesthesia with 51 patients getting intravenous midazolam (0.01-0.02mg/kg), 59 patients were given IV fentanyl (1-3ug/kg , 43 patients were given IV propofol (1-2mg/kg), These were given in small aliquots during the duration of the procedure. 2 patients had IV ketamine (0.5mg/kg) and 1 patient had IV dexmeditomidine (0.2-0.3ug/kg/hr). IV paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) ie. Inj Diclofenac Sodium IV in the dose of 1mg/kg (max 75mg) were given when not contraindicated. There was single case of axillary hematoma with no other complications. No patient required ICU care postoperatively and were discharged as routine. Conclusion: A combination of blocks may be an option for surgical anaesthesia for breast surgeries in high risk patients. Careful planning, patient counseling and attention to toxic dose of local anaesthetics must always be considered. Keywords: Paravertebral block, Thoracic wall blocks, PECS block, Serratus Anterior plane block, Pecto-intercorstal fascial block, Superficial cervical plexus, Modified radical mastectomy, Breast conservative surgery.

Perioperative Multimodal General Anesthesia Focusing on Specific CNS Targets in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgeries: The Pathfinder Feasibility Trial.

Multimodal general anesthesia (MMGA) is a strategy that utilizes the well-known neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of nociception and arousal control in designing a rational and clinical practical paradigm to regulate the levels of unconsciousness and antinociception during general anesthesia while mitigating side effects of any individual anesthetic. We sought to test the feasibility of implementing MMGA for seniors undergoing cardiac surgery, a high-risk cohort for hemodynamic instability, delirium, and post-operative cognitive dysfunction. Twenty patients aged 60 or older undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or combined CABG/valve surgeries were enrolled in this non-randomized prospective observational feasibility trial, wherein we developed MMGA specifically for cardiac surgeries. Antinociception was achieved by a combination of intravenous remifentanil, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and magnesium together with bupivacaine administered as a pecto-intercostal fascial block. Unconsciousness was achieved by using electroencephalogram (EEG)-guided administration of propofol along with the sedative effects of the antinociceptive agents. EEG-guided MMGA anesthesia was safe and feasible for cardiac surgeries, and exploratory analyses found hemodynamic stability and vasopressor usage comparable to a previously collected cohort. Intraoperative EEG suppression events and postoperative delirium were found to be rare. We report successful use of a total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA)-based MMGA strategy for cardiac surgery and establish safety and feasibility for studying MMGA in a full clinical trial.Clinical Trial Number: www.clinicaltrials.gov; identifier NCT04016740 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04016740).

Continuous Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block Provides Effective Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Open Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background The optimal analgesia regimen after open cardiac surgery has been unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of continuous pecto-intercostal fascial blocks (PIFB) initiated before surgery on outcomes after open cardiac surgery. Methods A group of 116 patients were randomly allocated to receive either bilateral continuous PIFB (PIF group) or the same block with saline (SAL group). The primary endpoint was postoperative pain at 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 hours after extubation at rest and during exercise. The secondary outcome measures included analgesia requirements (sufentanil and flurbiprofen consumption), time to extubation, length of stay in the intensive care unit, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, time until return of bowel function, time to mobilization, time to urinary catheter removal, and the length of hospital stay. Results The length of stay in the intensive care unit (29 ± 7 hours vs 13 ± 4 hours, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and length of hospital stay (8.9 ± 0.9 days vs 6.5 ± 1.1 days, P &amp;lt; 0.01) were significantly longer in the SAL group than in the PIF group. Resting pain scores (2 hours after extubation: 1.1 vs 3.3, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 4 hours after extubation: 1.0 vs 3.5, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 8 hours after extubation: 1.2 vs 3.7, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 16 hours after extubation: 1.3 vs 3.7, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 24 hours after extubation: 1.4 vs 2.8, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 48 hours after extubation: 0.9 vs 2.2, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 72 hours after extubation: 0.8 vs 2.1, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and dynamic pain scores (2 hours after extubation: 1.4 vs 3.7, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 4 hours after extubation: 1.3 vs 3.8, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 8 hours after extubation: 1.4 vs 3.5, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 16 hours after extubation: 1.2 vs 3.4, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 24 hours after extubation: 1.1 vs 3.1, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 48 hours after extubation: 1.0 vs 2.9, P &amp;lt; 0.01; 72 hours after extubation: 0.9 vs 2.8, P &amp;lt; 0.01) were significantly lower in the PIF group than in the SAL group at all time points. The PIF group required significantly less intraoperative sufentanil consumption (123 ± 32 μg vs 63 ± 16 μg, P &amp;lt; 0.01), postoperative sufentanil consumption (102 ± 22 μg vs 52 ± 17 μg, P &amp;lt; 0.01), and postoperative flurbiprofen consumption (350 ± 100 mg vs 100 ± 100 mg, P &amp;lt; 0.01) than the SAL groups. Time to extubation (8.9 ± 2.4 hours vs 3.2 ± 1.3 hours, P &amp;lt; 0.01), time to first flatus (43 ± 6 hours vs 30 ± 7 hours, P &amp;lt; 0.01), time until mobilization (35 ± 5 hours vs 24 ± 7 hours, P &amp;lt; 0.01), and time until urinary catheter removal (47 ± 9 hours vs 31 ± 4 hours, P &amp;lt; 0.01) were significantly earlier in the PIF group than in the SAL group. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the PIF group (9.1% vs 27.3%, P &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusion Bilateral continuous PIFB reduced the length of hospital stay and provided effective postoperative pain relief for 3 days.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block and Transversus Thoracic Muscle Plane Block for Acute Poststernotomy Pain Management After Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study

The objective of the present study was to evaluate morphine consumption and pain scores 24 hours postoperatively to compare the effects of a bilateral pectointercostal fascial block (PIFB) with those of a transversus thoracic muscle plane block (TTMPB) on acute poststernotomy pain in cardiac surgery patients who have undergone median sternotomy. Prospective, randomized, double-blinded. The operating room, intensive care unit, and patient ward at a university hospital. Thirty-nine American Society of Anesthesiologists II-to-III patients aged 18- to-80 years, scheduled for elective cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. Patients randomly were allocated to groups scheduled to receive bilateral ultrasound-guided PIFB or TTMPB. The primary outcome was postoperative morphine use within the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes were the numerical pain rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and during coughing, time of first analgesic demand from the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device, and rescue analgesia use. The nausea/vomiting scores, time to extubation, length ofstays in intensive care and the hospital, patient satisfaction scores, and complications were also recorded. The first 24-hour morphine use did not significantly differ between the PIFB and TTMPB groups (mean ± standard deviation [95% CI], 13.89 ± 6.80 [10.83-16.95] mg/24 h and 15.08 ± 7.42 [11.83-18.33] mg/24 h, respectively, p=0.608). No significant difference between the two groups in the NRS scores at rest and during coughing was observed; the groups had similar requirements for rescue analgesia in the first 24 hours (n [%], three [15.8] and seven [35], p=0.273, respectively). The time from PCA to the first analgesia request was longer in the PIFB than in the TTMPB group (median [interquartile range], 660 [540-900] minutes, and 240 [161-525] minutes, respectively, p=0.002). PIFB and TTMPB showed similar effectiveness for morphine consumption within 24 hours postoperatively and in pain scores in cardiac surgery patients.

Effects of bilateral Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block for perioperative pain management in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized study

BackgroundOpen cardiac surgical patients may experience severe acute poststernotomy pain. The ultrasound-guided Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block (PIFB) can cover anterior branches of intercostal nerves from T2 to T6. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilateral PIFB in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery.MethodsA group of 108 patients were randomly allocated to either receive bilateral PIFB (PIFB group) or no nerve block (SALI group). The primary endpoint was postoperative pain. The secondary outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative sufentanil and parecoxib consumption, time to extubation, time to first feces, length of stay in the ICU and the length of hospital stay. Insulin, glucose, insulin resistance and interleukin (IL)-6 at 1, 2, 3 days after surgery were mearsured. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was used to measure perioperative insulin resistance.ResultsThe PIFB group reported significantly less sufentanil and parecoxib consumption than the SALI group. Compared to the PIFB group, the SALI group had higher Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at 24 h after operation both at rest and during coughing. The time to extubation, length of stay in the ICU and length of hospital stay were significantly decreased in the PIFB group compared with the SALI group. The PIFB group had a lower insulin, glucose, IL-6, HOMA-IR level than the SALI group 3 days after surgery.ConclusionBilateral PIFB provides effective analgesia and accelerates recovery in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR 2000030609) on 08/03/2020.

Avoiding the Internal Mammary Artery During Parasternal Blocks: Ultrasound Identification and Technique Considerations

Fascial plane chest wall blocks are an integral component to optimal multimodal postoperative analgesia in breast and cardiothoracic surgery, facilitating faster functional recovery and earlier discharge. Pectoral nerves block and serratus plane block have been used to treat postsurgical pain after breast and cardiothoracic surgeries; however, they cannot be used to anesthetize the anterior chest wall. Ultrasound parasternal block, or pectointercostal fascial block and transversus thoracis muscle plane block are two novel ultrasound-guided anesthetic and analgesic techniques that block the anterior cutaneous branches T2 to T6 intercostal nerves, providing anesthesia and analgesia to the anterior chest wall. Ultrasound parasternal block/pectointercostal fascial block and transversus thoracis muscle plane block are performed in the region of the internal mammary artery and could be considered to treat post-thoracotomy pain. This anatomic region is innervated by the anterior cutaneous branches T2-to-T6 intercostal nerves, which are obliterated during cardiac surgery artery harvesting. At the level of the fourth parasternal rib interspace, the internal mammary artery can be identified between the internal intercostal muscle and transversus thoracis muscle as a longitudinal pulsatile structure approximately 1.5 cm from the lateral border of the sternum. The transversus thoracis muscle is variable in many people and, thus, is an unreliable target and is difficult to visualize with ultrasound. Moreover, patients with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting could have tissue disruption in the transversus thoracis plane because of the internal mammary artery harvest, making transversus thoracis muscle identification more difficult. Despite ultrasound parasternal block and transversus thoracis muscle plane block having good safety profiles and reduced risk of complications, pneumothorax, local anesthetic systemic toxicity, and internal mammary artery injury or hematoma should be considered. If the block is performed before cardiac surgery, both the right and left internal mammary arteries could be damaged. The injury could render the internal mammary artery unusable for bypass grafting. If the block is performed after left internal mammary artery harvesting at the end of coronary artery bypass grafting, only the right internal mammary artery could be damaged. In patients in whom the internal mammary artery has been surgically used and the transversus thoracis muscle is difficult to visualize, ultrasound parasternal block should be considered. In patients in whom the internal mammary artery could be difficult to visualize or considering that it is in the vicinity of the transversus thoracis muscle plane block target and that the transversus thoracis muscle is difficult to visualize with ultrasound after internal mammary artery harvesting, then ultrasound parasternal block should be considered. The authors believe that ultrasound parasternal block is the safer regional technique for protecting the internal mammary artery and the pleura because it is more superficial. For this reason, ultrasound parasternal block also could be performed by inexperienced anesthesiologists. Although ultrasound parasternal block is more superficial, its superiority in terms of safety is yet to be proven. Additional studies are warranted to validate the authors' hypothesis.

The Use of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block for an Opioid-Free Breast Surgery.

The Use of Erector Spinae Plane Block and Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block for an Opioid-Free Breast Surgery.

The Analgesic Efficacy of Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block Combined with Pectoral Nerve Block in Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Background: Pectoral nerve (Pecs) block is one of the most promising regional analgesic techniques for breast surgery. However, Pecs II block may not provide analgesia of the medial aspect of the breast or the entire nipple-areolar complex. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of combining the pectointercostal fascial block (PIFB) and Pecs II block for perioperative analgesia following modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Study Design: A prospective randomized study. Setting: An academic medical center. Methods: Sixty women undergoing unilateral MRM were randomly divided into 2 groups. The Pecs II group received Pecs II block using 20 mL bupivacaine 0.25% between the serratus anterior and the external intercostal muscles, and 10 mL bupivacaine 0.25% between the pectoralis major and minor muscles, together with sham PIFB using 15 mL normal saline solution in the interfascial plane between the pectoralis major muscle and the external intercostal muscle. PIFB-Pecs II group received the same Pecs II block combined with PIFB using 15 mL bupivacaine 0.25%. Results: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to the first morphine dose was significantly longer in the PIFB-Pecs II group (327.5 [266.3–360.0] minutes) than the Pecs II group (196 [163.8– 248.8] minutes) (P &lt; 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 79.98, 150.00).The median (IQR) cumulative morphine consumption was higher in the Pecs II group (14.0 [11.0–18.0] mg) than the PIFB-Pecs II group (8.0 [7.0–9.0] mg) (P &lt; 0.001; CI, 4.0–8.0). Intraoperative consumption of fentanyl was significantly lower in PIFB-Pecs II group with a median (IQR) of 0 (0–15 μg) than the Pecs II group median 57.5 (0–75 μg) (P = 0.022, CI; 0–60). The Visual Analog Scale scores for the first 12 postoperative hours were lower in the PIFB-Pecs II group than the Pecs II group at rest and on moving the ipsilateral arm (P &lt; 0.001). The dermatomal block on the lateral chest wall was comparable between the 2 studied groups. PIFB-Pecs II provided extensive sensory block on the anterior chest wall, whereas Pecs II block failed to achieve any sensory block. Limitations: This study was limited by its small sample size. Conclusions: The combination of Pecs II and PIFB provide better perioperative analgesia for MRM than Pecs II alone. Key Words: Pectoral nerves, postoperative pain, modified radical mastectomy

The Analgesic Efficacy of Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block Combined with Pectoral Nerve Block in Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial

The Analgesic Efficacy of Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Block Combined with Pectoral Nerve Block in Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Pectointercostal Fascial Block (PIFB) as a Novel Technique for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

To determine the efficacy of pectointercostal fascial block in relieving postoperative pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Single-center tertiary care teaching hospital. A total 40 participants undergoing cardiac surgery aged 18 to 80 years. Subjects were categorized into 2 groups of 20 each. In group 2 participants (interventional group), bilateral pectointercostal fascial block was given using ropivacaine injection 0.25% after completion of surgery, before shifting to the intensive care unit. Postoperative pain was measured after extubation at 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours, using a numeric rating scale. Pain in group 2 was significantly less and lasted for a longer duration than in group 1. Fentanyl requirement was significantly higher in group 1 (1.06 ± 0.12 µ/kg) than in group 2 (0.82 ± 0.19 µ/kg). Pectointercostal fascial block is an easy and efficient technique to reduce postoperative pain after cardiac surgery.