Analgesia in Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Programmed Intermittent Bolus Infusions of Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Paravertebral Block

Paravertebral block (PVB) has been regarded as effective regimen for pain control after cardiac surgery. As a novel analgesia technique, erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been reported to provide effective analgesia after thoracic and cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that the ESPB is non-inferior to PVB in treating pain in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery.

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting has recently gained with popularity in treatment of coronary artery disease. Compared with conventional approach, it has advantages of less trauma and rapid recovery, but postoperative pain is severe, which may increase the risk of cardiopulmonary complications and cause chronic pain. Therefore, perioperative analgesia is crucial in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting. Paravertebral block (PVB) has been regarded as effective regimen for pain control after cardiac surgery. As a novel analgesia technique, erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been reported to provide effective analgesia after thoracic and cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that the ESPB is non-inferior to PVB in treating pain in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery.