Paravertebral Nerve Blocks are being studied in newborns and infants (kids under 1 year). This study looks at how a special type of pain relief, called a paravertebral block (PVB), works during heart surgery. A PVB blocks pain by injecting medicine near the spine's nerves. This study checks if a PVB helps more than usual medicines like morphine. The goal is to help babies have less pain and avoid drug withdrawal risks later.
During surgery, an ultrasound guides the medicine to the right spot near the spine. A special monitor, called Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), checks oxygen in the spine to see if the PVB helps with blood flow too. The study will have 30 babies at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, who weigh at least 2.5 kg and are having heart surgery.
Standard pain relief (acetaminophen, fentanyl, oxycodone) will be provided as needed. Some babies will get the PVB and some won't, to compare results.
- Study involves 30 infants under 12 months.
- Participants must weigh at least 2.5 kg.
- Parents need to agree and sign consent.