Journal of clinical anesthesia
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effects of subcutaneous verapamil on the duration of local anesthetic blockade.
To determine whether a subcutaneous injection of verapamil will provide local anesthesia and whether a mixture of lidocaine and verapamil will prolong the anesthetic effect of lidocaine alone. ⋯ Verapamil injected subcutaneously provides a degree of local anesthesia. However, this effect is hampered by a local reaction at the injection site and a short duration of action. The mixture of lidocaine and verapamil provides a shorter duration of action than does lidocaine alone.
-
To compare the relative cost-effectiveness ratios of (1) therapy with ondansetron, droperidol, and metoclopramide in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and (2) prophylactic versus rescue therapy of PONV with these agents. ⋯ When drug costs, efficacy, and adverse events were all considered, prophylactic droperidol was more cost-effective than ondansetron, and both drugs were more cost-effective than metoclopramide. However, the expected frequency of PONV, as well as local drug acquisition costs, can significantly influence whether a particular antiemetic is cost-effective when given prophylactically or only as therapy for established PONV.
-
To determine whether the window design of pencil-point spinal needles leads to deformation under lateral or axial loading conditions. ⋯ The Sprotte needles have an inherent design weakness to lateral and axial pressure, which may result in a greater number of needle tip deformations upon needle insertion. The nature of this deformation may result in difficulty in needle withdrawal and possibly fracture of the needle tip.
-
To determine the impact of a cost containment program on the use of volatile anesthetics and neuromuscular blocking drugs. ⋯ Concerted educational efforts can decrease the per case expenditures for both volatile anesthetic drugs and neuromuscular blocking drugs.