A&A practice
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The PECS II nerve block is a relatively new regional anesthetic technique that targets the medial and lateral pectoral nerves, as well as the lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves. It has been described for surgical cases involving the breast, as an adjunct or alternative to neuraxial or paravertebral techniques. This case report describes the first successful use of the PECS II nerve block placed using ultrasound guidance as the primary anesthetic and postoperative analgesic in a non-breast-related chest wall surgery.
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Intranasal dexmedetomidine administered as premedication before anesthesia and cardioversion appears to have the potential to facilitate the return of sinus rhythm. Two children, 3.5 and 1.5 years old, with recurrent supraventricular tachycardia in need of cardioversion have now on several occasions spontaneously returned to sinus rhythm within 20-40 minutes after intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine (4 μg/kg) with a mucosal atomization device. Both children were observed on all occasions at the pediatric outpatient clinic and could return home within 2 hours of cardioversion. For children with supraventricular tachycardia, a selective α2-agonist might be a valuable alternative to cardioversion with adenosine.
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Pain during and after pulmonary percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be severe enough to require opioids. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is a regional anesthetic technique that can relieve pain during and after abdominal or thoracic painful procedures. ⋯ The patient was pain free (rest and mobilization) during the first postoperative 36 hours. TPVB may represent an easy, safe, and effective strategy to prevent or treat postoperative pain after pulmonary RFA.
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Case Reports
When All Else Fails: Novel Use of Angiotensin II for Vasodilatory Shock: A Case Report.
Angiotensin (AT) II is an endogenous hormone that acts on venous and arterial smooth muscle to cause vasoconstriction. Recent trials have sparked great interest in its ability to be used as a vasopressor for catecholamine-refractory hypotension. Herein, we describe the successful use of AT II in a patient with a colonic perforation with septic shock refractory to conventional treatment. After AT II initiation, there was an immediate reduction in catecholamine requirement, and the patient survived.