The Efficacy of PSB and Recto-intercostal Block Combination on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Via Sternotomy: Case Series

Superficial PSB is performed with the patient in the supine position using a high-frequency linear USG probe. The probe is placed longitudinally 2 cm lateral to the sternal border to visualize the T2-T4 intercostal space and to identify the pectoralis major muscle, intercostal muscle, and pleura. 10 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine local anesthetic is administered between the pectoralis major and intercostal muscle using an in-plane approach with a 100 mm needle. In addition, a Recto-Intercostal Fascial Plane Block is performed with a high-frequency linear USG probe. The probe is placed 2-3 cm lateral to the xiphoid so that the rectus abdominis muscle and 6-7th cartilages are visualized. The needle is advanced to the plane between the costal cartilage and the rectus abdominis muscle using the in-plane technique and 1-2 ml of saline is injected. After observing the spread to the target plane, 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine is applied. The same process is repeated bilaterally.