Journal of neurosurgical anesthesiology
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Apr 2023
Implementation of an Online External Ventricular Drain Training Module-An Educational Initiative to Improve Proficiency of Perioperative Health Care Providers: Results of a Retrospective Study.
An external ventricular drain (EVD) training module may improve the knowledge and proficiency of perioperative health care providers (HCPs). ⋯ This online EVD training module was well-received by participants. Overall, improved scores reflect enhanced knowledge among HCPs following completion of the module. The greatest benefit was observed in those reporting less experience and feeling uncomfortable in managing EVDs. The impact on the reduction in EVD-associated adverse events deserves further examination.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Apr 2023
Evaluating the Anatomic Spread of Selective Nerve Scalp Blocks Using Methylene Blue: A Cadaveric Analysis.
The modern scalp block consists of local anesthesia injections that target the supraorbital, supratrochlear, zygomaticotemporal, auriculotemporal, and greater and lesser occipital nerves. Limited data exist on the local anesthetic spread that occurs with this technique. This study examines the extent of the spread of a scalp block using methylene blue in a cadaveric model. ⋯ This cadaveric study confirms that the landmark-based technique for scalp blocks consistently stained all 6 nerves involved in scalp innervation. There was significant unintentional spread to the branches of the facial nerve when using the landmark technique.
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Intraoperative neuromonitoring has been a valuable tool for ensuring the functional integrity of vital neural structures by providing real-time feedback to the operative team during procedures where neurological structures are at risk. Commonly used intravenous and inhaled anesthetic drugs are known to affect waveform parameters measured with various intraoperative neuromonitoring modalities. While the concept of opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia has gained popularity in recent years, the impact of such a strategy on intraoperative neuromonitoring remains poorly characterized, in contrast to the more well-established concepts and literature regarding the effects of other hypnotic agents on neuromonitoring quality. The purpose of this focused review is to provide an overview of the clinical evidence pertaining to the pharmacological interaction of certain multimodal analgesics with routine intraoperative neuromonitoring modalities.
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J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Apr 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of Sugammadex During Transcranial Electrical Motor Evoked Potentials Monitoring in Spinal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Neuromuscular blockade suppresses transcranial electrical motor evoked potential (TceMEP) amplitude and is usually avoided during TceMEP monitoring. In this randomized controlled trial, we investigated whether rocuronium-induced suppression of TceMEP amplitude could be reversed by sugammadex in patients undergoing spine surgery. ⋯ Moderate neuromuscular blockade induced by continuous infusion of rocuronium was effectively reversed by sugammadex. This suggests that sugammadex could be used to enhance TceMEP waveform monitoring during spine surgery requiring muscle relaxation.