Articles: nerve-block.
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This study was designed to assess the risk of hematoma related to the combination of peripheral nerve blocks and thromboprophylaxis. A total of 3588 patients undergoing joint arthroplasty were included. Blocks performed included continuous lumbar plexus, continuous femoral, and continuous or single sciatic. ⋯ A total of 6935 blocks were performed in patients receiving warfarin (50.0%), fondaparinux (12.8%), deltaparin (11.6%), enoxaparin (1.8%), and aspirin (23.8%). In this patient population, no perineural hematoma was recorded. Our data provide evidence that continuous/single peripheral nerve blocks can be safely performed before thromboprophylaxis initiation, and perineural catheters can be safely removed while the patient is receiving thromboprophylaxis and/or aspirin.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 2008
Intravascular injection in lumbar medial branch block: a prospective evaluation of 1433 injections.
The successful outcome and validity of lumbar medial branch block (MBB) are largely dependent on technique accuracy. Intravascular uptake of injectate causes a false-negative response to block and is associated with various possible complications. In the current study, we prospectively evaluated the incidence of, and the factors associated with, intravascular injection during block. In addition, we assessed the efficiencies of generally accepted safety measures, such as preinjection aspiration and intermittent fluoroscopy to avoid intravascular injections. ⋯ The aspiration test with or without spot radiography frequently missed the intravascular uptake of contrast during lumbar MBBs. We strongly advocate the use of real-time fluoroscopy during contrast injection to increase diagnostic and therapeutic value and to avoid possible complications.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 2008
Case ReportsBilateral ultrasound-guided continuous ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric block for pain relief after cesarean delivery.
We present three cases in which continuous ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block with 0.2% ropivacaine, together with oral ibuprofen, was used to provide analgesia after cesarean delivery. The catheters were placed under ultrasound guidance in the plane between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles on both sides of the abdomen. Numeric pain rating was used for the assessment of postoperative pain. Low pain scores, minimal use of supplemental opioid, and the absence of nausea and vomiting suggests that continuous ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve blockade deserves further study as a possible component of multimodal analgesia after cesarean delivery.