Parasternal Nerve Block in Cardiac Patients

"Patients in this group will receive 266 mg Exparel diluted with 0.9% normal saline to a total volume of 50 mL and administered via parasternal intercostal nerve block prior to sternal closure.~Post-operatively, patients will receive IV fentanyl as needed in the ICU while still intubated. A fentanyl PCA pump will be set up post-extubation as soon as possible and prior to the patient leaving the ICU."

"Patients in this group will receive 50 mL of 0.9% normal saline as a parasternal intercostal nerve block prior to sternal closure.~Post-surgical pain management will be the same as for the Exparel group."