Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Dec 2001
Case Reports[Technical difficulties in epidural blocks and spinal bleeding complications].
The clinical cases of two patients with neurological complications following neuroaxial blocks are reported. The events took place in different institutions where thousands of central blocks were yearly performed. In both instances the blocking procedures presented technical difficulties needing repeated lumbar punctures. ⋯ The authors emphasise the risks of mechanical trauma of epidural or spinal anesthesia both during positioning or removal of an epidural catheter. The problem related to the compatibility between central blocks and antithrombotic/anticoagulant prophylaxis/therapy is now of primary concern and has led to publications about guide lines on this topic. If central block is carried out in patients with bleeding diathesis it is mandatory to co-ordinate multidisciplinary assistance for early detection of significant symptoms of the above described complications and subsequent treatment.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Nov 2001
Clinical Trial[Spinal cord stimulation and quality of life in patients with refractory angina].
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment that exploits the antalgic and vasodilatory effects on the microcirculation produced by a stimulating electrode positioned in the peridural space. This therapy has been used for years in the treatment of refractory angina pectoris. The aim of this study was to monitor the clinical effectiveness of the technique in terms of symptomatic benefits and, above all, improved quality of life in angina patients undergoing SCS. ⋯ The results of this study show that SCS is effective, safe, easy to use and well tolerated by patients with refractory angina who fail to respond to traditional revascularisation. This technique substantially improves the quality of life of patients suffering from refractory angina.