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Plexus Block (plexus + block)
Kinds of Plexus Block Selected AbstractsAssessment of Celiac Plexus Block and Neurolysis Outcomes and Technique in the Management of Refractory Visceral Cancer PainPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010Michael A. Erdek MD ABSTRACT Objective., To assess demographic and clinical factors associated with celiac plexus neurolysis outcomes. Design., Retrospective clinical data analysis. Setting., A tertiary care, academic medical center. Patients., Forty-four patients with terminal visceral (mostly pancreatic) cancer who failed conservative measures. Interventions., Fifty celiac plexus alcohol neurolytic procedures done for pain control after a positive diagnostic block. Outcome Measures., A successful treatment was predefined as >50% pain relief sustained for ,1 month. The following variables were analyzed for their association with treatment outcome: age, gender, duration of pain, origin of tumor, opioid dose, type of radiological guidance used, single- vs double-needle approach, type of block (e.g., antero- vs retrocrural), immediate vs delayed neurolysis, volume of local anesthetic employed for both diagnostic and neurolytic blocks, and use of sedation. Results., Those variables correlated with a positive outcome included lower opioid dose and the absence of sedation. Strong trends for a positive association with outcome were found for the use of computed tomography (vs fluoroscopy), and using <20 mL of local anesthetic for the diagnostic block. Conclusions., Celiac plexus neurolysis may provide intermediate pain relief to a significant percentage of cancer sufferers. Both careful selection of candidates based on clinical variables, and technical factors aimed at enhancing the specificity of blocks may lead to improved outcomes. [source] A Retrospective Study of the Incidence of Neurological Injury after Axillary Brachial Plexus BlockPAIN PRACTICE, Issue 2 2006B. Ben-David MD Abstract Background: It has been suggested that performing a nerve block under general anesthesia, as customary in pediatric population, may predispose to nerve injury. However, few clinical data exist to either support or refute this assertion. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data on all patients who received an axillary block for upper extremity surgery in our institution during an eight-year period. The blocks were performed under sedation or general anesthesia, without using a nerve stimulator. Perioperative records from the Hand Surgery Unit Clinic were reviewed for postoperative complaints and complications. Results: In the eight-year period of the review, 336 patients had axillary block. In total, 230 received the block with sedation and 106 during general anesthesia. All the sedated patients were older than 14 years (mean age 45.2), while of the general anesthesia patients 48 were older than 14 years (mean age 13.9 years). There were six cases of postoperative nerve injury in sedated patients (2.6%) vs. eight cases (7.5%) in the general anesthesia patients. Most patients recovered fully within several weeks. One patient had permanent nerve injury. Conclusions: Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn because of disparities in patient group demographics (majority of pediatric patients were in the general anesthesia group) and the retrospective nature of this study. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that the conduct of axillary block under general anesthesia in pediatric patients holds a greater potential for nerve injury than when the block is performed under sedation in adults. [source] Bilateral Cervical Plexus Block in Simultaneous Cochlear Implants: An Intervention We Won't AdoptTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue S3 2010Mazin A. Merdad MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Superficial selective cervical plexus block following total thyroidectomy: A randomized trialHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2010Isaak Kesisoglou MD Abstract Background. Pain after thyroid surgery is of moderate intensity and short duration. Bilaterally superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) may reduce analgesic requirements. However, its effectiveness in decreasing pain after thyroidectomy is debated. Methods. This double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study in 100 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy evaluates the effects of BSCPB done with 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine. Additional parecoxib was administrated immediately postoperatively and 12 hours later. Results. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analogue rating scale. All parameters were recorded at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. The control group had higher values than the ropivacaine group at all moments (p < .05) except H12 (p = .76). Additional analgesia was needed for 7 patients (14%) in the control group and for 8 patients (16%) in the group with ropivacaine (p = .96). Conclusion. Two-point bilateral BSCPB has a major analgesic effect on patients after total thyroidectomy, with a statistically significant reduction in postoperative pain scores. However, no significant difference was noted in the proportion of patients that required additional analgesics. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010 [source] Procedural pain of an ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block: a comparison of axillary and infraclavicular approachesACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010B. S. FREDERIKSEN Background: Ultrasound (US)-guided infraclavicular (IC) and axillary (AX) blocks have similar effectiveness. Therefore, limiting procedural pain may help to choose a standard approach. The primary aims of this randomized study were to assess patient's pain during the block and to recognize its cause. Methods: Eighty patients were randomly allocated to the IC or the AX group. A blinded investigator asked the patients to quantify block pain on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0,100) and to indicate the most unpleasant component (needle passes, paraesthesie or local anaesthetics injection). Sensory block was assessed every 10 min. After 30 min, the unblocked nerves were supplemented. Patients were ready for surgery when they had analgesia or anaesthesia of the five nerves distal to the elbow. Preliminary scan time, block performance and latency times, readiness for surgery, adverse events and patient's acceptance were recorded. Results: The axillary approach resulted in lower maximum VAS scores (median 12) than the infraclavicular approach (median 21). This difference was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Numbers of patients indicating the most painful component were similar in both groups. Patients in either group were ready for surgery after 25 min. Two patients in the IC group and seven in the AX group needed block supplementation (n.s.). Block performance times and number of needle passes were significantly lower in the IC group. Patients' acceptance was 98% in both groups. Conclusions: We did not find significant differences between the two approaches in procedural pain and patient's acceptance. The choice of approach may depend on the anaesthesiologist's experience and the patient's preferences. [source] Ultrasound-guided technique allowed early detection of intravascular injection during an infraclavicular brachial plexus blockACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2009Á. MARTÍNEZ NAVAS The reported incidence of complications after peripheral nerve blocks is generally low and varies from 0% to 5%. The injuries related to brachial plexus block are perhaps more commonly reported, than after peripheral blocks of the lower extremity nerves. Recent reports suggest that expert ultrasound guidance may reduce but not completely eliminate complications as intraneural or intravascular injection. We report a case of accidental intravascular injection of local anesthetic during infraclavicular brachial plexus block, in spite of the use of ultrasound guidance technique, and negative aspiration for blood. [source] Axillary brachial plexus block complicated by cervical disc protrusion and radial nerve injuryACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009S. Dhir No abstract is available for this article. [source] Ultra-sound guided sciatic nerve block combined with lumbar plexus block for infra-inguinal artery bypass graft surgeryACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2008Y. Asakura No abstract is available for this article. [source] Clinical trial: a randomized trial comparing fluoroscopy guided percutaneous technique vs. endoscopic ultrasound guided technique of coeliac plexus block for treatment of pain in chronic pancreatitisALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2009D. SANTOSH Summary Background, Coeliac plexus block (CPB) is a management option for pain control in chronic pancreatitis. CPB is conventionally performed by percutaneous technique with fluoroscopic guidance (PCFG). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is increasingly used for CPB as it offers a better visualization of the plexus. There are limited data comparing the two modalities. Aim, To compare the pain relief in chronic pancreatitis among patients undergoing CPB either by PCFG technique or by EUS guided technique. Methods, Chronic pancreatitis patients with abdominal pain requiring daily analgesics for more than 4 weeks were included. Fifty six consecutive patients (41 males, 15 females) participated in the study. EUSG-CPB was performed in 27 and PCFG-CPB in 29 patients. In both the groups, 10 mL of Bupivacaine (0.25%) and 3 mL of Triamcinolone (40 mg) were given on both sides of the coeliac artery through separate punctures. Results, Pre and post procedure pain scores were obtained using a 0-10 visual analogue scale. Improvement in pain scores was seen in 70% of subjects undergoing EUS-CPB and 30% in Percutaneous- block group (P = 0.044). Conclusions, EUS-guided coeliac block appears to be better than PCFG-CPB for controlling abdominal pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis. [source] A comparison of coracoid and axillary approaches to the brachial plexusACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2000Z. J. Koscielniak-Nielsen Background: Brachial plexus block by the coracoid approach does not require arm abduction and may be more effective than the axillary approach because of a more proximal injection of local anaesthetic. However, the clinical usefulness of the coracoid approach has not been tested in prospective controlled trials. The present randomized, observer-blinded study compared success rates, time to obtain a complete block, frequency of adverse effects and block discomfort in two groups of 30 patients, anaesthetized for hand surgery using either the coracoid or the axillary approach to the brachial plexus. Methods: After subcutaneous infiltration with 5 ml of 1% mepivacaine/adrenaline the brachial plexus was located using a nerve stimulator and an insulated pencil-point needle. Ropivacaine 0.75%, 20,40 ml, depending on body weight, was used for the initial block. In the coracoid (C) group two plexus cords, and in the axillary (A) group four terminal nerves were electrolocated and the volume of ropivacaine was divided equally between them. Spread of analgesia to the arm was assessed every 5 min, by an anaesthetist unaware of the block technique. The block was defined as effective (complete) when analgesia was present in all five sensory nerve areas distal to the elbow. Incomplete blocks were supplemented 30 min after the initial block. Results: In the C group a median 11 min was required for block performance as compared to 12 min in the A group (NS). Onset of block was shorter and the frequency of incomplete blocks lower in the A group (median 17 min and 17%) than in the C group (30 min and 47%, respectively). Lack of analgesia of the ulnar nerve was the main cause of incomplete initial blocks in the C group. All incomplete blocks were successfully supplemented. However, total time to obtain complete block was shorter in the A group than in the C group (29 min vs. 41 min, P<0.05). Accidental arterial puncture occurred in seven patients (five in C and two in A group), which resulted in two haematomas, both in the C group (NS). No permanent sequelae were observed. Conclusion: The axillary approach to the brachial plexus using four injections of ropivacaine results in a faster onset of block and a better spread of analgesia than the coracoid approach using two injections. [source] Axillary brachial plexus block with patient controlled analgesia for complex regional pain syndrome type I: a case report. (National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan) Reg Anesth Pain Med 2001;26:68,71.PAIN PRACTICE, Issue 4 2001Li-Kai Wang A 32-year-old man who suffered from complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) of the right upper limb after surgical release of carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand is the subject of this case report. Symptoms and signs over the right hand were alleviated under rehabilitation and conventional pharmacological management, but severe painful swelling of the right wrist persisted. Axillary brachial plexus block (BPB) with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) was performed on the 32nd postoperative day, which soon resulted in significant reduction of pain with gradual improvement of function of the right wrist. Conclude that axillary BPB with PCA may provide patients with CRPS I of the upper limb a feasible and effective treatment. [source] The effects of clonidine on ropivacaine 0.75% in axillary perivascular brachial plexus blockACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2000W. Erlacher Introduction: The new long-acting local anesthetic ropivacaine is a chemical congener of bupivacaine and mepivacaine. The admixture of clonidine to local anesthetics in peripheral nerve block has been reported to result in a prolonged block. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of clonidine added to ropivacaine on onset, duration and quality of brachial plexus block. Methods: Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In group I brachial plexus was performed using 40 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% plus 1 ml of NaCL 0.9%, and in group II brachial plexus was performed using 40 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% plus 1 ml (0.150 mg) of clonidine. Onset of sensory and motor block of radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous nerve were recorded. Motor block was evaluated by quantification of muscle force, according to a rating scale from 6 (normal contraction force) to 0 (complete paralysis). Sensory block was evaluated by testing response to a pinprick in the associated innervation areas. Finally, the duration of the sensory block was registered. Data were expressed in mean±SD. For statistical analysis a Student t -test was used. A P -value of ,0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The duration of blockade was without significant difference between the groups. Group I: 718±90 min; Group II: 727±117 min. There was no intergroup difference in sensory and motor onset or in quality of blockade. Conclusion: The addition of clonidine to ropivacaine 0.75% does not lead to any advantage of block of the brachial plexus when compared with pure ropivacaine 0.75%. [source] Ultrasonographic guided axillary plexus blocks with low volumes of local anaesthetics: a crossover volunteer studyANAESTHESIA, Issue 3 2010P. Marhofer Summary Our study group recently evaluated an ED95 local anaesthetic volume of 0.11 ml.mm,2 cross-sectional nerve area for the ulnar nerve. This prospective, randomised, double-blind crossover study investigated whether this volume is sufficient for brachial plexus blocks at the axillary level. Ten volunteers received an ultrasonographic guided axillary brachial plexus block either with 0.11 (,low' volume) or 0.4 (,high' volume) ml.mm,2 cross-sectional nerve area with mepivacaine 1%. The mean (SD) volume was in the low volume group 4.0 (1.0) and 14.8 (3.8) ml in the high volume group. The success rate for the individual nerve blocks was 27 out of 30 in the low volume group (90%) and 30 out of 30 in the high volume group (100%), resulting in 8 out of 10 (80%) vs 10 out of 10 (100%) complete blocks in the low vs the high volume groups, respectively (NS). The mean (SD) sensory onset time was 25.0 (14.8) min in the low volume group and 15.8 (6.8) min in the high volume group (p < 0.01). The mean (SD) duration of sensory block was 125 (38) min in the low volume group and 152 (70) min in the high volume group (NS). This study confirms our previous published ED95 volume for mepivacaine 1% to block peripheral nerves. The volume of local anaesthetic has some influence on the sensory onset time. [source] Interscalene brachial plexus block: how safe is steep needle angulation?ANAESTHESIA, Issue 11 2009F. Kailash No abstract is available for this article. [source] Speed of onset of ,corner pocket supraclavicular' and infraclavicular ultrasound guided brachial plexus block: a randomised observer-blinded comparisonANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2009M. J. Fredrickson Summary This prospective, randomised, observer blinded study compared the onset time of brachial plexus block using 2% lidocaine 25,30 ml with adrenaline 5 ,g.ml,1 into the ,corner pocket' inferolateral/lateral to the subclavian artery (supraclavicular, n = 30) or to a triple point injection around the axillary artery (infraclavicular, n = 30). Mean (SD) onset time for complete pinprick sensory blockade assessed by a blinded observer in all four distal nerves was similar in both groups: supraclavicular = 22 (9.4) min, infraclavicular = 21 (7.1) min, p = 0.59. Complete sensory blockade in all four nerve territories at 30 min was achieved in 57% in group supraclavicular and 70% in group infraclavicular (p = 0.28). Painless surgery without the requirement for block supplementation was higher in group infraclavicular (28/30, 93%) compared with group supraclavicular (19/30, 67%; p = 0.01). Of the 11 failures in group supraclavicular, nine were due to incomplete ulnar nerve territory anaesthesia. These results do not support the concept of rapid onset successful supraclavicular block via a simple ultrasound-guided local anaesthetic injection inferolateral to the subclavian artery. [source] Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block in Klippel,Feil SyndromeANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2009J. R. Shorthouse No abstract is available for this article. [source] Interscalene brachial plexus block: assessment of the needle angle needed to enter the spinal canal,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 1 2009K. E. Russon Summary Attempts were made to place 8-cm 22G needles into the spinal canals of four preserved cadavers using the skin entry point most commonly associated with the lateral interscalene brachial plexus block or Winnie approach (that is, at the level of the cricoid cartilage). Eleven successful attempts were confirmed by computed tomography. Needle angles that were cephalad, transverse or slightly caudad were associated with entry into the spinal canal at depths of 5.0 cm or less from the skin. The only needle entry into the spinal canal with a needle angle of > 50 degrees to the transverse plane (< 40 degrees to the sagittal plane) entered the intervertebral foramen at a depth of 7.7 cm from the skin. We conclude that the use of markedly caudad angulations of needles no longer than 5.0 cm may minimise the chances of spinal canal entry and spinal cord damage. [source] Ultrasound-guided training in the performance of brachial plexus block by the posterior approach: an observational studyANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2007G. J. Van Geffen Summary The application of ultrasonography in guiding and controlling the path of the stimulating needle to the brachial plexus via the posterior approach (Pippa technique) was studied. In 21 ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients, scheduled for surgery of the shoulder or upper arm, needle insertion was monitored by ultrasonography and the interaction between needle, surrounding structures and brachial plexus was followed. During injection, the spread of local anaesthetic was visualised and a prediction of block success was made. One failure was predicted. Complete block was achieved in 20 (95%) patients. One potential complication, puncture of the carotid artery, was prevented using ultrasound. Ultrasound is a useful tool in the training and performance of a neurostimulation-guided brachial plexus block by the posterior approach. Ultrasonographic guidance may prevent serious complications associated with this approach to the brachial plexus. [source] Continuous cervical plexus block for carotid body tumour excision in a patient with Eisenmenger's syndromeANAESTHESIA, Issue 12 2006H. G. Jones Summary A patient with Eisenmenger's syndrome presented for removal of a carotid body tumour. Continuous cervical plexus blockade was successfully used to provide peri-operative and postoperative analgesia. The risks and benefits of regional and general anaesthesia in this high risk patient are discussed. [source] Convulsions following axillary brachial plexus blockade with levobupivacaineANAESTHESIA, Issue 12 2002D. Pirotta Summary Neurotoxicity manifesting as convulsions is a recognised complication of the administration of local anaesthetic drugs as part of a regional anaesthetic technique. We describe a case of self-limiting convulsions following the institution of an axillary brachial plexus block with levobupivacaine. Although the occurrence of convulsions following the administration of racemic bupivacaine is a well-recognised complication, there have been no clinical case reports published describing convulsions following the use of levobupivacaine in regional anaesthesia. [source] A review of the thoracic splanchnic nerves and celiac gangliaCLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 5 2010Marios Loukas Abstract Anatomical variation of the thoracic splanchnic nerves is as diverse as any structure in the body. Thoracic splanchnic nerves are derived from medial branches of the lower seven thoracic sympathetic ganglia, with the greater splanchnic nerve comprising the more cranial contributions, the lesser the middle branches, and the least splanchnic nerve usually T11 and/or T12. Much of the early anatomical research of the thoracic splanchnic nerves revolved around elucidating the nerve root level contributing to each of these nerves. The celiac plexus is a major interchange for autonomic fibers, receiving many of the thoracic splanchnic nerve fibers as they course toward the organs of the abdomen. The location of the celiac ganglia are usually described in relation to surrounding structures, and also show variation in size and general morphology. Clinically, the thoracic splanchnic nerves and celiac ganglia play a major role in pain management for upper abdominal disorders, particularly chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Splanchnicectomy has been a treatment option since Mallet-Guy became a major proponent of the procedure in the 1940s. Splanchnic nerve dissection and thermocoagulation are two common derivatives of splanchnicectomy that are commonly used today. Celiac plexus block is also a treatment option to compliment splanchnicectomy in pain management. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided celiac injection and percutaneous methods of celiac plexus block have been heavily studied and are two important methods used today. For both splanchnicectomies and celiac plexus block, the innovation of ultrasonographic imaging technology has improved efficacy and accuracy of these procedures and continues to make pain management for these diseases more successful. Clin. Anat. 23:512,522, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Dextrose 5% in water: fluid medium for maintaining electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves during stimulating catheter placementACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2005B. C. H. Tsui It is well documented that a higher electrical current is required to elicit a motor response following a normal saline (NS) injection during the placement of stimulating catheters for peripheral nerve block. We present three cases of continuous brachial plexus catheter placement in which Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) was used to dilate the perineural space instead of NS. Three brachial plexus blocks (two interscalene and one axillary) were performed in three different patients for pain relief. In each case, an insulated needle was advanced towards the brachial plexus. A corresponding motor response was elicited with a current less than 0.5 mA after needle repositioning. A stimulating catheter was advanced with ease after 3,5 ml of D5W was injected to dilate the perineural space. A corresponding motor response was maintained when the current applied to the stimulating catheter was less than 0.5 mA. Local anesthetic was then injected and the motor response immediately ceased. All blocks were successful and provided excellent pain relief with the continuous infusion of local anesthetics. [source] (615) Combined Use of Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) and Occipital Nerve Stimulator (ONS)PAIN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2000Article first published online: 25 DEC 200 Author: Y. Eugene Mironer, Carolinas Center for Advanced Management of Pain A 51-year-old female patient was referred to the clinic in March 1997 with severe cervicalgia and right shoulder girdle pain. She rated her pain at 9/10 on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). MRI showed multilevel severe spondylosis with significant neural foraminal stenosis at 3 levels. Multiple modalities of treatment (physiotherapy, epidural steroid injections, cervical plexus blocks) and a variety of medications (opioids, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, etc.) failed to provide any improvement. The patient twice consulted neurosurgeons but was considered a poor surgical candidate. Finally, in July 1997, after a successful trial, a cervical SCS was implanted with the tip of the lead at level C2, achieving excellent coverage of the pain area. For the next 18 months the patient continued to do well, having minimal neck and shoulder discomfort and using only occasional oral analgesics. However, by January 1999, she developed intractable right-sided occipital neuralgia. Occipital nerve blocks were providing extremely short-term relief and the intake of different analgesics, including opioids, started to increase. In March 1999, after successful trial, an ONS was implanted. Unfortunately, it migrated shortly after implantation and had to be revised and re-anchored. After this procedure all headaches were completely controlled without medications. The patient continues to be very active, uses both stimulators daily, does not take any analgesics and rates her pain at 0/10 to 1/10 on VAS. [source] A review of pediatric regional anesthesia practice during a 17-year period in a single institutionPEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 9 2007ALAIN ROCHETTE MD Summary Background:, There is anecdotal evidence of changes in pediatric regional anesthesia (RA) practice. We performed a retrospective review of prospective data on pediatric RA over 17 years in our institution. Methods:, Data were collected from an electronic database for every anesthetic performed between 1989 and 2005. Type of RA, if any, and age of the patient were noted. Patients were divided into two groups: ,4 years (younger group) and 5 years or older (older group). Results:, A total of 51 408 anesthetics were performed; 23 609 (46%) in the younger group. A total of 10 929 RA were performed. In the younger group, RA increased from 9.5% to 27.6% (P < 0.001). Neuraxial blocks decreased from 100% to 59.7% of RA. Caudals decreased in the late 1990s from 70% to 22% of RA and epidurals have decreased from 22% to 11% of RA since 2002. Neonatal spinals were introduced in 1990 and now reach 30% of RA. Peripheral blocks have increased up to 37% of RA since 1994. In the older group, RA increased from 9.2% to 23.3% (P < 0.001), less than in the younger (P < 0.01). Neuraxial blocks have decreased from 97% to 24.9% of RA (P < 0.001), more obviously than in the younger group (P < 0.001). Peripheral blocks emerged in 1994, outnumbering neuraxial blocks as early as 1995 and now account for 75% of RA. This increase is significantly more pronounced than in the younger group (P < 0.001). In both groups, peripheral blocks were distributed among plexus blocks (30%) and compartment/peripheral nerve blocks (70%). In the last 5 years, a perineural catheter was placed in 12.9% of peripheral blocks to ensure continuous postoperative analgesia. Conclusions:, In our hospital, there has been a dramatic increase in RA, mainly from 1989 to 1995. The most remarkable events in the last decade were: (i) the change in practice from neuraxial to peripheral blocks and (ii) the emergence of continuous postoperative analgesia via perineural catheters. [source] Ultrasonographic guided axillary plexus blocks with low volumes of local anaesthetics: a crossover volunteer studyANAESTHESIA, Issue 3 2010P. Marhofer Summary Our study group recently evaluated an ED95 local anaesthetic volume of 0.11 ml.mm,2 cross-sectional nerve area for the ulnar nerve. This prospective, randomised, double-blind crossover study investigated whether this volume is sufficient for brachial plexus blocks at the axillary level. Ten volunteers received an ultrasonographic guided axillary brachial plexus block either with 0.11 (,low' volume) or 0.4 (,high' volume) ml.mm,2 cross-sectional nerve area with mepivacaine 1%. The mean (SD) volume was in the low volume group 4.0 (1.0) and 14.8 (3.8) ml in the high volume group. The success rate for the individual nerve blocks was 27 out of 30 in the low volume group (90%) and 30 out of 30 in the high volume group (100%), resulting in 8 out of 10 (80%) vs 10 out of 10 (100%) complete blocks in the low vs the high volume groups, respectively (NS). The mean (SD) sensory onset time was 25.0 (14.8) min in the low volume group and 15.8 (6.8) min in the high volume group (p < 0.01). The mean (SD) duration of sensory block was 125 (38) min in the low volume group and 152 (70) min in the high volume group (NS). This study confirms our previous published ED95 volume for mepivacaine 1% to block peripheral nerves. The volume of local anaesthetic has some influence on the sensory onset time. [source] Evaluation of an insulated Tuohy needle system for the placement of interscalene brachial plexus cathetersANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2003N. M. Denny Summary Major shoulder surgery can be extremely painful. Interscalene brachial plexus catheters provide excellent postoperative analgesia but are technically difficult to place. A new insulated Tuohy needle system for plexus catheterisation is now available. This prospective study examined its ease of use and the postoperative analgesia produced by patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with ropivacaine 0.2%. Nineteen patients undergoing major shoulder surgery were studied. Interscalene brachial plexus blocks were performed using a modified Winnie technique with the insulated Tuohy needle and a nerve stimulator. After injection of ropivacaine 0.75% 30,40 ml into the plexus, a catheter was inserted. Block and catheter insertion times were recorded. All 19 patients had successful blocks and had catheters successfully threaded. Catheter infusions provided successful analgesia (visual analogue pain score <,5/10) in 18 patients, with one failure, giving a 95% success rate. Mean [range] catheter insertion time was 3.6 [1,10] min. Decreased block and catheter insertion times were associated with experience with the equipment when comparing the mean (SD) times for the first seven catheters and the last seven catheters inserted (12.1 (4.2) min vs. 7.9 (2.4) min), p < 0.05). It is concluded that the insulated Tuohy needle system for interscalene catheterisation proved easy to use in the hands of someone who had not used it before, and can be recommended. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||