Dose-Related Prolongation of Ropivacaine Epidural Anesthesia by Epidural Ketamine / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Besides its general anesthetic effect, ketamine interacts with sodium channels in a local anesthetic-like fashion, including the sharing of binding sites with those commonly used by clinical local anesthetics. This study evaluated the dose related effects of ketamine during epidural anesthesia with 0.5% ropivacaine. METHODS: Sixty ASA physical status I-II patients, scheduled for minor elective surgery under epidural anesthesia using 0.5% ropivacaine, were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20 each). The patients initially received either 0.5% ropivacaine (group 1), ketamine (0.1 mg/kg) in addition to the epidural 0.5% ropivacaine (group 2) or ketamine (0.2 mg/kg) in addition to the epidural 0.5% ropivacaine (group 3). The regression of sensory block was assessed by transcutaneous electric stimulation (TES), equivalent to a surgical incision. Motor block was assessed using the Modified Bromage's scale. Episodes of bradycardia, hypotension and sedation were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the three groups in the maximal levels of sensory block or the times taken for these levels to be reached. The mean times for the block to regress to two and four segments below the maximal level were significantly prolonged by epidural ketamine. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural ketamine prolongs the duration of ropivacaine epidural anesthesia. These results suggest that ketamine has local anesthetic-like actions.

One-lung Ventilation in a Pediatric Patient: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We successfully managed one-lung ventilation in a 5-yr-old boy who underwent thoracoscopic removal of an emphysematosed right lower lobe. We used a 5-French 70 cm balloon-tipped Fogarty embolectomy catheter as a bronchial blocker. Its single lumen, which ends blindly, contains a guidewire and is used to inflate a spherical balloon. First, we threaded the distal end of the blocker through the Murphy hole of a 5.5 cuffed endotracheal tube. The tip of the blocker was adjusted to the end of the endotracheal tube, and the remainder of the blocker was attached closely to the outer wall of the tube and fixed once at the neck of the tube with tape. The tube and catheter were intubated as a set. After intubation, a bronchoscope was introduced through the tube. Under bronchoscopic view, Fogarty catheter was drawn back by 1 2 cm to withdraw the catheter tip from the Murphy hole and then advanced until the balloon tip reached the right main bronchus. With balloon inflation, we were able to achieve satisfactory one-lung ventilation.