Randomized Trialhigh evidence
Superficial parasternal intercostal plane block with ropivacaine versus placebo for opioid exposure after cardiac surgery (EPOCH CardioLink-10): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised trial.
Lancet regional health. Americas·August 1, 2026·PMID 42256617
Why it mattersThis trial provides robust evidence for a specific opioid-sparing regional technique in cardiac surgery, where multimodal analgesia options are limited and opioid reliance remains high. The SPIP block offers a pragmatic, low-risk intervention to reduce opioid exposure without worsening pain control.
The papers that matter, first.
MedLit ranks the medical literature into a specialty feed with concise summaries, evidence-aware triage, and visual takeaways.
§
MedLit · Evidence, Distilled