Journal of anesthesia
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 1994
Estimation of cerebrospinal fluid pressure via lumbar epidural space by equilibration method.
By introducing water into the lumbar epidural space from a vertically held tube under gravity, we measured lumbar epidural pressure (EDP) when the water meniscus no longer declined. In principle, the pressure of either side of dura mater had become equal at this time which is referred to as the equilibrium point. ⋯ Both EDP and CSFP responded sensitively to the manipulations of CSFP during this period. We suggest that this method may provide a means to continuously monitor CSFP by EDP.
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Journal of anesthesia · Jun 1994
Epidural anesthesia affects pulse oximeter readings and response time.
We investigated the effects of epidural anesthesia on pulse oximeter readings (Spo2) and response time because this type of anesthesia causes significant changes in microcirculation at measurement sites. Twenty patients were divided into lumbar epidural (L-EPI;n=10) and the cervical epidural (C-EPI;n=10) groups. Spo2 and skin blood flow (SBF) were measured at the finger and toe simultaneously by pulse oximeter and laser Doppler flowmeter, respectively. ⋯ The difference in the response time became larger in the C-EPI group and smaller or opposite in the L-EPI group after anesthesia. The difference in response time and SBF were significantly correlated (r=0.71;P<0.05). These results indicated that epidural anesthesia lowerd Spo2 and shortened the response time through vasodilation in the blocked area and caused the opposite reactions in the nonblocked area through compensatory vasoconstriction.