AANA journal
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A recently developed procedure known as MIDCAB (minimally invasive direct vision coronary artery bypass) offers a select group of patients with coronary artery disease an alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. Compared with customary coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the MIDCAB procedure has a smaller modified incision, requires less operative time, eliminates the risk of cardiopulmonary bypass, and is, as the name implies, far less invasive. Single or multiple vessels are revascularized while the heart remains warm and beating. ⋯ Extubation and recovery times are far shorter for MIDCAB procedures, leading to earlier discharge and substantial cost savings. The surgical techniques for cardiac bypass surgery have evolved dramatically during the past few years. It is the unique combination of anesthetic monitoring, quick response to hemodynamic changes, and manipulation of physiologic parameters that makes providing anesthesia for minimally invasive cardiac bypass surgery exceptionally challenging.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effects of intrathecal fentanyl on duration of bupivacaine spinal blockade for outpatient knee arthroscopy.
The purpose of this study was to determine if intrathecal fentanyl speeds the onset and prolongs the duration of sensory and motor block, prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia, or increases the incidence of adverse effects in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy. Fifty patients were randomized to receive 12 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.75% with 25 micrograms (0.5 mL) of fentanyl (group 1) or 12 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.75% with 0.5 mL of preservative-free normal saline (group 2). One-tailed t tests were used to determine differences in onset and duration of sensorimotor block and postoperative analgesia. ⋯ Group 1 demonstrated significantly more pruritus, but there were otherwise no differences. We conclude that fentanyl does not enhance the onset and duration of sensory or motor block produced by 12 mg of intrathecal bupivacaine. Fentanyl, however, prolongs postoperative analgesia and increases the risk of pruritus.
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The mixture of 1% lidocaine and 0.2% tetracaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, so-called "supercaine," has been used extensively for axillary brachial plexus blockade for several decades. Since the advent of bupivacaine, the supercaine mixture has fallen into relative disuse despite its record of effectiveness and safety. No studies have been done recently to evaluate quality of anesthesia, duration of postoperative analgesia, and degree of patient satisfaction with this mixture when used for axillary brachial plexus blockade. ⋯ Data are reported within a 95% confidence interval. Variables examined and compared were not statistically significant. We concluded that the duration of block supports findings reported in the literature, patients equate duration of sensory block with duration of motor block, differences in duration were probably due to levels of provider experience, and patients were extremely satisfied with the anesthetic.