Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized, observer-blinded determination of the median effective volume of local anesthetic required to anesthetize the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa for stimulating and nonstimulating perineural catheters.
Stimulating perineural catheters are developed to overcome technical problems of nonstimulating catheters, but their efficacy remains controversial. However, no volume-response study has compared success rates between stimulating and nonstimulating catheters. This study of stimulating versus nonstimulating catheters compares the minimal effective volume required to successfully block the sciatic nerve in 50% of patients scheduled for unilateral hallux valgus repair. ⋯ Stimulating popliteal catheters dramatically decrease the volume required to block the sciatic nerve in 50% of patients, compared with nonstimulating catheters.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyUltrasound machine comparison: an evaluation of ergonomic design, data management, ease of use, and image quality.
The use of ultrasound technology for vascular access and regional anesthesia is gaining widespread acceptance among anesthesia providers. As a result, many group practices and medical institutions are considering purchasing ultrasound equipment. Currently, comparative information regarding the ergonomic design, physical and adjustable features, data management, ease of use, cost, and image quality of various ultrasound machines is not available. The primary goal of this investigation was to develop an objective process of evaluating ultrasound equipment before purchase. The process of evaluation used in the current investigation may be used when comparing a variety of medical technologies. ⋯ Anesthesia providers considering an ultrasound equipment purchase should objectively evaluate machine models that have features most important to their own clinical practice. Ergonomic design, physical and adjustable features, data management, ease of use, image quality, and cost are important features to consider when evaluating an ultrasound machine.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyParavertebral block in inguinal hernia surgeries: two segments or 4 segments?
In this study, we compare paravertebral block (PVB) of the T10 and L1 segments and multiple-segment PVB for anesthesia and analgesia in inguinal hernia surgeries. ⋯ Two-segment PVB can be an alternative to 4-segment PVB in inguinal hernia surgeries. Decreasing the number of injections required in this technique may further increase patient comfort and decrease complications.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison of 3 intensities of stimulation threshold for brachial plexus blocks at the midhumeral level: a prospective, double-blind, randomized study.
We conducted this prospective randomized study to compare the success rate and the onset time between 3 intensities of stimulation threshold (<0.5, 0.5-0.64, and 0.65-0.8 mA) when using a peripheral nerve stimulation at the midhumeral level. ⋯ We conclude that intensity of stimulation influenced onset time and success rate.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyExtended-release epidural morphine (DepoDur) following epidural bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled pharmacokinetic study.
The primary objective was to compare the serum pharmacokinetic profile of a single dose of extended-release epidural morphine (EREM) administered alone versus 15 to 60 mins after an analgesic epidural dose of bupivacaine. ⋯ The pharmacokinetic and efficacy profiles of a single 15-mg dose of EREM were not significantly altered when administered 15, 30, or 60 mins after an analgesic epidural dose of bupivacaine.