Morphine 2–3 mg per kg body weight is still the best opioid for open cardiac surgery. With proper timing of administration, morphine provides good quality anesthesia, stable hemodynamic conditions intraoperatively, and excellent postoperative analgesia, even in high-risk cases. A dose of 2–3 mg per kg can be used safely in all patients.

We used this approach in almost 1000 cases before coming to this conclusion. Please try and share your experiences.