Cryoablation of Intercostal Nerves Decreased Narcotic Usage After Thoracic or Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

To improve surgical pain control through cryoablation of intercostal nerves and reduce narcotic usage in patients undergoing open thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAA or TAAA) repair. From 2012-2018, 117 patients underwent open repair of TAA or TAAA. Of those patients, 25(21%) received cryoablation (2016-2018) of their intercostal nerves and 92(79%) did not (2012-2018). The primary outcome was pain scores and narcotic usage from extubation day 1 to 10 or the day of discharge. The median age (57 years), demographics, and preoperative comorbidities were not significantly different between the two groups.
Source: Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: THORACIC – Original Submission Source Type: research