Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomized comparison between ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided third occipital nerve block.
Third occipital nerve block (TONB) is commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of upper neck pain and cervicogenic headaches. Although fluoroscopy is the current imaging standard for TONB, ultrasound (US) guidance offers a promising, radiation-free alternative. In this randomized, observer-blinded trial, we compared the 2 imaging modalities. Our research hypothesis was that US guidance would result in a shorter performance time. ⋯ Fluoroscopy and US guidance provide similar success rates for TONB. However, ultrasonography is associated with improved efficiency (decreased performance time, fewer needle passes).
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized comparison between 3 combinations of volume and concentration of lidocaine for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block.
This prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study compared 3 combinations of volume and concentration using the same total dose of lidocaine for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block. ⋯ Using an identical dose (525 mg) of adrenalized lidocaine for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block, we found no differences in onset time among 3 commonly used concentrations (1%, 1.5%, and 2%). Further studies are required to determine the optimal combination of volume and concentration of lidocaine for other ultrasound-guided approaches to the brachial plexus.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of bench model fidelity on fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural injection training: a randomized control study.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether high-fidelity simulators provide greater benefit than low-fidelity models in training fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural injection. ⋯ Training an epidural procedure using a low-fidelity model may be equally effective as training on a high-fidelity model. These results are consistent with previous research on a variety of interventional procedures and further demonstrate the potential impact of simple, low-fidelity training models.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialA prospective, randomized, blinded study of continuous ropivacaine infusion in the median sternotomy incision following cardiac surgery.
The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous ropivacaine infusion of into the sternal wound. ⋯ The phase III trial did not show improvement in time to extubation of the trachea or pain control in the 0.3% ropivacaine group, but it was stopped early by the data safety monitoring board.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · Mar 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyPharmacokinetics of sublingual sufentanil tablets and efficacy and safety in the management of postoperative pain.
A sublingual sufentanil tablet is being developed as a potential alternative to intravenous (IV) opioids for the management of postoperative pain. The objective of these studies was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of sublingual sufentanil tablets for postoperative pain management. ⋯ Sufentanil formulated as a sublingual solid dosage form provides a duration of action that allows effective analgesia for postoperative patients in a medically supervised setting.