Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2019
Retrospective analysis of complications associated with dorsal root ganglion stimulation for pain relief in the FDA MAUDE database.
Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is an emerging therapy in the treatment of chronic pain. Compared with traditional spinal cord stimulation, it allows a discretely targeted stimulation profile and may act via differing mechanisms of action. Despite these advantages, little is known about the complications associated with this new modality. ⋯ The 'Dorsal root ganglion stimulator for pain relief' device has been publicized as a breakthrough in neuromodulation technologies. As with any new technology, we must proceed with caution and re-evaluate effectiveness as information becomes available. The MAUDE database has provided safety data unique for this device that will aid in informed consent and further refinement of this innovative therapy.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2019
Evaluation of the B-Smart manometer and the CompuFlo computerized injection pump technology for accurate needle-tip injection pressure measurement during peripheral nerve blockade.
The exact mechanism of peripheral nerve blocks causing/leading to nerve injury remains controversial. Evidence from animal experiments suggests that intrafascicular injection resulting in high injection pressure has the potential to rupture nerve fascicles and may consequently cause permanent nerve injury and neurological deficits. The B-Smart (BS) in-line manometer and the CompuFlo (CF) computerized injection pump technology are two modalities used for monitoring pressure during regional anesthesia. This study sought to explore the accuracy of these two technologies in measuring needle-tip pressures in a simulated environment. ⋯ Future research is needed to explore in-vivo performance and evaluate whether either of these devices can impact on clinical outcomes.