Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation for Postoperative Pain Management

Patients will receive intraoperative intercostal nerve cryoablation using CryoICE® CRYO2 cryoablation probes (AtriCure, Inc) to intercostal spaces 4th to 10th in thoracoabdominal aortic repairs and 4th to 8th in descending thoracic aortic repair cases prior to wound closure.

Patients from both groups will receive the same volume of diluted Exparel®, which will be given in four 20ml syringes using 22-gauge needles (266mg of liposomal bupivacaine, equivalent of one 1.3% 20ml vial of EXPAREL, diluted in 50ml of preservative-free normal (0.9%) sterile saline for a total volume of 70ml).

Patients will have access to the standard PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) offered at the Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center. The PCA drug will be Dilaudid (hydromorphone). Initial dosing will be per the standard hospital protocol of 0.2 mg demand dose, 10-minute lockout, 2 mg per hour max, 0.4 mg rescue dose. Adjustments to the PCA dosing will be made based on clinical needs.