CRNA : the clinical forum for nurse anesthetists
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The pace of modern surgical procedures demands a fast and effective regional anesthesia technique. Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) is such a technique. Traditionally, IVRA has been limited by tourniquet pain, inability to provide postoperative analgesia, and lack of a bloodless field for microsurgical repairs. ⋯ Additions to the local anesthetic such as meperidine, ketorolac, and clonidine have been shown to increase tourniquet tolerance and significantly improve postoperative analgesia. Additionally, when a bloodless field is required for microvascular surgery or nerve repairs, a re-exsanguination technique can be used. Advances in IVRA have made this technique an excellent choice for cases involving the hand, forearm, foot, and lower leg cases that least 60 minutes or less.
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The psoas compartment acts as a conduit for the nerve roots of the lumbar plexus. Originating at approximately the 12th thoracic vertebrae, this potential compartment continues on caudally, bordered posterolaterally by fascia of the quadratus lumborum and iliacus muscles, medially by the fascia of the psoas major muscle, and anteriorly by the transversalis fascia. ⋯ Spread of the anesthetic to all roots of the plexus occurs in 15 to 20 minutes. Profound sensory and motor blockade can be achieved providing surgical anesthesia as well as long duration postoperative pain relief.