Superficial Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block and Full Sternotomy; A Randomized Trial

This randomized control trial evaluated the effect of superficial parasternal intercostal plane block (SPIP) on lung function testing in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement via conventional sternotomy. A total of 74 patients were randomized to receive either SPIP or no treatment. The authors found that forced expiratory volume (FEV), forced volume capacity (FVC), and relative FVC changes decreased less in patients treated with SPIP compared to those who did not receive the treatment (P = 0.024, P = 0.042, and P = 0.042). However, there was no statistically significant difference in total oxycodone consumption between the two groups. While these short-term outcomes are promising, the long-term impact of SPIP on patient recovery remains to be seen.