Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Feb 2018
Ultrasound Identification of Diaphragm by Novices Using ABCDE Technique.
In this study, we examined the consistency, rapidity, and reproducibility of the ABCDE technique for diaphragm identification. Operators using this method place the probe at the Anterior axillary line, watch for Breathing (lung sliding), and then move the probe Caudally to identify the Diaphragm for Examination. ⋯ The ABCDE technique demonstrates a fast, reliable, and simple method in which ultrasound can be used to visualize the diaphragm.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Feb 2018
Comparative StudyA New Step Toward Evidence of In Vivo Perineural Dexamethasone Safety: An Animal Study.
The aim of this study was to analyze histological nerve toxicity of perineural dexamethasone administration in combination with ropivacaine on mice. Efficacy of perineural dexamethasone in combination with regional anesthesia is clearly demonstrated. However, the safety of this procedure is still a matter of debate. ⋯ A combination of ropivacaine and perineural dexamethasone allows longer sensory block duration compared with ropivacaine alone or ropivacaine and systemic dexamethasone, without increased neural toxicity.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Feb 2018
Case ReportsCervical Foraminal Epidural Blood Patch for the Targeted Treatment of Refractory Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage From a Dural Sleeve.
Epidural blood patches (EBPs) are routinely used to treat symptoms (eg, headaches) associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Although cerebrospinal fluid leakage commonly involves the periforaminal areas of the cervical or thoracic spine, EBPs have been historically performed at the lumbar level. Recent evidence suggests that targeting the causative spinal segment may provide greater clinical benefits. While previous reports have targeted foraminal leaks with segmental thoracic or cervical injections, we present a case report detailing the novel use of a navigable epidural catheter to perform a selective EBP at the C7/T1 foramen.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Feb 2018
Review Practice GuidelineThe Third American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Practice Advisory on Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: Executive Summary 2017.
The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine's Third Practice Advisory on local anesthetic systemic toxicity is an interim update from its 2010 advisory. The advisory focuses on new information regarding the mechanisms of lipid resuscitation, updated frequency estimates, the preventative role of ultrasound guidance, changes to case presentation patterns, and limited information related to local infiltration anesthesia and liposomal bupivacaine. In addition to emerging information, the advisory updates recommendations pertaining to prevention, recognition, and treatment of local anesthetic systemic toxicity. ⋯ Contemporary case reports suggest a trend toward delayed presentation, which may mirror the increased use of ultrasound guidance (fewer intravascular injections), local infiltration techniques (slower systemic uptake), and continuous local anesthetic infusions. Small patient size and sarcopenia are additional factors that increase potential risk for LAST. An increasing number of reported events occur outside of the traditional hospital setting and involve non-anesthesiologists.