Regional anesthesia
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Regional anesthesia · May 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialThe effect of head-down tilt position on arterial blood pressure after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.
The effect of the head-down tilt position after induction of spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery on blood pressure and level of sensory block was examined. ⋯ The head-down position is concluded to have no effect on the incidence of hypotension during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.
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Regional anesthesia · May 1997
Case ReportsAnesthesia for cesarean delivery in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type II.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disease, is rarely seen in pregnancy. Presentation may be mild or severe, depending on which type of the syndrome the patient possesses. ⋯ In patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it is important to be aware of which type is present and to be knowledgeable about and prepared for any potential complications.
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Regional anesthesia · May 1997
Case ReportsThermal grill illusion and complex regional pain syndrome type I (reflex sympathetic dystrophy).
In normal humans, placing a hand on a thermal grill containing warm elements separated by cool ones produces a burning sensation. In this case report, responses to a thermal grill in a patient with neuropathic pain were examined. ⋯ The thermal grill may be a useful a tool to help understand the pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome type I.
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Regional anesthesia · May 1997
Comparative StudyComparison of accuracy and cost of disposable, nonmechanical pumps used for epidural infusions.
Temporary epidural catheter pumps are used to infuse analgesics in patients with chronic intractable pain. Three brands of disposable, nonmechanical pumps adapted for epidural infusion were tested to determine their flow rate efficacy and their cost effectiveness. ⋯ All three units deviated considerably from the claimed flow rate of 2-mL/h, both at the beginning and at the end of the infusion. Presumably, the decreasing flow rates are responsible for the diminishing pain relief often experienced by patients over the course of the infusion. The Homepump unit appeared to be the most cost-effective and the easiest to handle and maintained an acceptable infusion rate for the greatest percentage of the infusion period. The considerable cost benefit of using a nonmechanical disposable pump as opposed to a costly but more reliable computerized pump appears to warrant further product improvement and development.
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The clinical utility of a new parasacral approach for conduction block of the sciatic nerve was investigated, with critical examination of onset, extent, and success rates when this block was used for surgical procedures below the knee. ⋯ The parasacral approach to the sciatic nerve exhibits a high success rate, resulting in anesthesia of the entire sacral plexus and generally in motor block of the obturator nerve was an interesting observation.