Cryoablation of Intercostal Nerves for Pain Management in Early Postoperative Period in Patients With Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

"Patients in the CryoINB group will undergo cryoablation of the intercostal nerves, at the end of surgery before weaning from CPB, using the ArtiCue device for 120 seconds at a temperature of -50°C to -70°C, in the intercostal spaces where the surgical approach is located, one intercostal space above and one below it. Cold leads to axonotmesis, in which the axon and myelin sheath are damaged, preventing the pain signal from traveling along the sensory nerve. However, the structural elements of the nerve are preserved, which promotes complete regeneration at a rate of 1-2 mm per day, thereby restoring normal function within several months."