Cryoanalgesia and Post-thoracotomy Pain in Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cryoanalgesia will be given by applying a nitrous oxide-cooled probe (AtriCure, Inc. 2000) locally to intercostal nerves in the 4th, 5th, and 6th rib spaces after completion of the surgical repair and before surgical closure. The probe will be cooled to -60°C and held on each location for 60 sec.