Due to the limitations of traditional analgesic modalities, in this study, we present a method of placing a paravertebral catheter (PVC) or an intercostal catheter (ICC) in the sub-pleural space, ...

Children are sent home with catheters that infuse a non-narcotic nerve-blocking drug called a paravertebral blockade. Use of the blocks shortens hospital stays and reduces opioid use after surgery.

In children undergoing cardiac surgery by thoracotomy, paravertebral blocks with ropivacaine reduced opioid consumption by nearly half within 24 hours after surgery compared with local anesthetic ...