Regional anesthesia
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Regional anesthesia · May 1995
ReviewDoes sympathetic ganglionic block prevent postherpetic neuralgia? Literature review.
To examine specifically the role of sympathetic block in the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia by its application in the treatment of acute herpes zoster. ⋯ Considering the degree of uncertainty, and the seriousness of postherpetic neuralgia, sympathetic block in addition to treatment with acyclovir should be considered early during acute herpes zoster. Large controlled trials are needed to provide the necessary scientific evidence.
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Regional anesthesia · May 1995
Biography Historical ArticleRegional anesthesia and chronic pain management in the 1920s and 1930s. The influence of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia.
Physicians in the 1920s and 1930s began to treat patients with chronic pain syndromes using regional anesthetic techniques for both temporary and permanent block of pain pathways. The founding of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) in 1923 provided a unique venue for the dissemination of information concerning regional anesthesia for both surgery and chronic pain management. ⋯ The ASRA was instrumental in bringing together physicians interested in regional anesthesia and pain management. During the 1930s physician anesthetists came to predominate as the organization's officers and members and helped translate the work of the ASRA into a part of the knowledge required to be a specialist physician in anesthesia.
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Regional anesthesia · May 1995
Case ReportsSelective musculocutaneous nerve block and infraclavicular brachial plexus anesthesia. Case report.
Regional anesthesia of the upper extremity may be achieved by the infraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus. ⋯ Stimulation of the musculocutaneous nerve in the infraclavicular region results in biceps muscle contraction. Inadequate anesthesia of the upper extremity may result due to exiting of the musculocutaneous nerve outside the axillary sheath in this region. Evidence of more distal stimulation (finger/wrist flexion) improves the likelihood of successful block of the brachial plexus by the infraclavicular route.
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Regional anesthesia · May 1995
Importance of the needle bevel during spinal and epidural anesthesia.
The needle bevel has an important effect on the path that the needle takes as it traverses tissue. Many anesthesiologists, especially trainees, are unaware of the magnitude of this effect. There is a need for a model, constructed from readily available materials, that can be used to demonstrate the bevel effect and to assess various strategies for accurately advancing the needle. ⋯ Styrofoam blocks provide a model for teaching the basics of spinal and epidural anesthesia. By utilizing styrofoam the trainee can master needle control and gauge the effect of bevel orientation.