A landmark multicentre randomised trial has demonstrated that regional nerve blocks significantly improve pain management following cardiac surgery while reducing reliance on opioids. The EPOCH CardioLink-10 trial, published in The Lancet Regional Anesthesia & Acute Pain Medicine, evaluated bilateral superficial parasternal intercostal plane (SPIP) blocks with ropivacaine in 308 patients undergoing elective sternotomy. Results showed a 25% reduction in cumulative opioid consumption during the first 48 hours post-operatively compared to placebo. Beyond pain reduction, patients receiving nerve blocks demonstrated faster extubation times and shorter hospital stays. These findings represent a meaningful advancement in perioperative pain management strategy, offering cardiac surgeons an effective tool to enhance patient safety and recovery outcomes while minimising opioid exposure. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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