Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2020
Observational StudyHigh definition ultrasound imaging of the individual elements of the brachial plexus above the clavicle.
Ultrasonography of the brachial plexus (BP) has been described but there are limited data on visualization of the T1 ventral ramus and the inferior trunk. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate a high definition ultrasound imaging technique to systematically identify the individual elements of the BP above the clavicle. ⋯ We have demonstrated that it is feasible to accurately identify majority of the main components of the BP above the clavicle, including the T1 ventral ramus and the formation of the inferior trunk, using high definition ultrasound imaging.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2020
Postdural puncture headache in the obstetric population: a new approach?
The gold standard for the treatment of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is the epidural blood patch (EBP). Regional techniques-sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB), greater occipital nerve block (GONB) and trigger point infiltration (TPI)-can also be used for the treatment of PDPH. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of these peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) in the treatment of PDPH. ⋯ SPGB, GONB and TPI can be safe and effective options for treatment of PDPH, but do not completely eliminate the need for EBP. Prospective studies designed to identify factors associated with unsuccessful treatment are required.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2020
Lack of July effect in the utilization of neuraxial and peripheral nerve block in US teaching hospitals: a retrospective analysis.
Given the steep learning curve for neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks, utilization of general anesthesia may increase as new house staff begin their residency programs. We sought to determine whether "July effect" affects the utilization of neuraxial anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and opioid prescribing for lower extremity total joint arthroplasties (TJA) in July compared with June in teaching and non-teaching hospitals. ⋯ Utilization of neuraxial and regional anesthesia techniques was not affected during the initial transition period of new house staff in US teaching institutions. It is feasible that enough resources are available in the system to accommodate periods of turnover and maintain levels of regional anesthetic care including additional attending anesthesiologist oversight.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2020
Observational StudyAnalysis of judicial precedent cases regarding epidural injection in chronic pain management in Republic of Korea.
Although there is a low incidence of complications associated with epidural injections, pain physicians should still remain vigilant for potentially serious adverse outcomes. This study aimed to identify and describe the major complications of epidural injections. ⋯ Our data will allow pain physicians to become acquainted with the major epidural injection-associated complications that underlie malpractice cases.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2020
Microbiological and scanning electron microscopic evaluation of epidural catheters.
Epidural catheters are frequently colonized by gram-positive bacteria. Although the incidence of associated epidural infections is low, their consequences can be devastating. We investigated bacterial growth on epidural catheters by quantitative bacterial culture and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to explore the patterns of epidural catheter colonization. ⋯ We present the first SEM pictures of an epidural catheter with a bacterial infection. Bacterial growth developed from the skin to the tip of this catheter, indicating the skin as a primary source of infection. By SEM, catheters with low levels of bacterial growth demonstrated an intraluminal fibrous network which possibly plays a role in catheter obstruction.