Background Minimally invasive lateral thoracotomies may cause severe postoperative pain and discomfort. We describe an intraoperative intercostal cryo-neuronal pain block as one possibility for postoperative pain relief. Case description A 63-year-old male patient underwent minimally invasive mitral valve repair. To reduce postoperative pain, an intercostal cryo-neuronal ablation was performed. The consecutive course was pain-free. Conclusion Intraoperative cryo-neuronal nerve block may be a standard procedure during minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Keywords: cranial or peripheral; minimally invasive surgery (includes port access; minithoracotomy); mitral valve surgery; nerves.
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