Intermittent Bolus vs. Continuous Infusion Erector Spinae Catheters for Median Sternotomy Incisions: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Saturday, November 15, 2025

11:09 AM - 11:17 AM CT

Location: 301 - 302

Introduction: Uncontrolled pain following open heart surgery can lead to worse postoperative outcomes, including complications and increased length of stay. Erector spinae plane (ESP) analgesia is an effective analgesic modality in adults undergoing open heart surgery. Although ESP catheters can prolong single-injection analgesia, the optimal dosing regimen remains unclear. We hypothesized that the use of programmed intermittent boluses would result in superior analgesia compared to continuous infusion of local anesthetics through ESP catheters after cardiac surgery.

Co-Author(s)

PF

Patrick Forrest, M.D.

Senior Staff Anesthesiologist; Division Head of Regional Anesthesia
Henry Ford Hospital/ Michigan State University, United States
CG

Carlos Guerra Londono, M.D.

Medical Co-Director - Division of Anesthesia Research; Clinical Assitant Professor;
Henry Ford Hospital/ Michigan State University, United States
KN

Katherine Nowak, Ph.D

Director of Research Operation
Henry Ford Health, United States

Submitting Author(s)

AM

Austin M. Meadows, M.D.

Resident
Henry Ford Health
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Co-Author(s)

FD

Franklin Dexter, M.D., Ph.D., FASA

Director of the Division of Management Consulting
Iowa Carver College of Medicine - Department of Anesthesia, United States