Does intravenous patient-controlled analgesia or continuous block prevent rebound pain following infraclavicular brachial plexus block after distal radius fracture fixation? A prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of opioid-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) or continuous brachial plexus block (BPB) in controlling rebound pain after distal radius fracture (DRF) fixation under BPB as well as total opioid consumption. METHODS: A total of 66 patients undergoing surgical treatment for a displaced DRF with volar plate fixation were randomized to receive a single infraclavicular BPB (BPB only group) (n = 22), a single infraclavicular BPB with IV PCA (IV PCA group) (n = 22), or a single infraclavicular BPB with continuous infraclavicular BPB (continuous block group) (n = 22). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the amount of pain medication were recorded at 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h and two weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: At postoperative 9 h, the pain VAS score was significantly higher in the BPB only group (median: 2; Q1, Q3 [1, 3]) than in the IV PCA (0 [0, 1.8], P = 0.006) and continuous block groups (0 [0, 0.5], P = 0.009). At postoperative 12 h, the pain VAS score was significantly higher in the BPB only group (3 [3, 4]) than in the continuous block group (0.5 [0, 3], P = 0.004). The total opioid equivalent consumption (OEC) was significantly higher in the IV PCA group (350.3 [282.1, 461.3]) than in the BPB only group (37.5 [22.5, 75], P < 0.001) and continuous block group (30 [15, 75], P < 0.001); however, OEC was not significantly different between the BPB only group and the continuous block group (P = 0.595). CONCLUSIONS: Although continuous infraclavicular BPB did not reduce total opioid consumption compared to BPB only, this method is effective for controlling rebound pain at postoperative 9 and 12 h following DRF fixation under BPB.

The Use of a New Device-Assisted Needle Guidance versus Conventional Approach to Perform Ultrasound Guided Brachial Plexus Blockade: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Purpose: Ultrasound guidance during nerve blockade poses the challenge of maintaining in-plane alignment of the needle tip. The needle guidance device maintains needle alignment and assists with in-plane needle visualization. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of this device by comparing procedure performance during brachial plexus blockade with the conventional approach. Methods: After the Institutional Review Board approval and obtaining informed consent, 70 patients receiving either interscalene or supraclavicular nerve blocks were randomly assigned into 2 groups, a conventional approach versus utilizing the needle guidance device. An independent observer recorded: total procedure time; needle insertion time; number of unplanned redirections; and number of reinsertions. Additionally, physician satisfaction and ease of needle visualization were assessed. Results: Data from seventy patients were analyzed. The median [25th percentile-75th percentile] time to complete the block by the device assisted needle guidance group was 3 (2-3.75) minutes and 4 (3-6) minutes in the conventional approach group (p < 0.001). Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed in the supraclavicular block and interscalene block. Supraclavicular blockade, needle insertion time (median [25th percentile-75th percentile] in seconds) (106 [92-162] vs 197 [140-278]), total procedure time (3 [2-3] vs 4.5 [4-6] in minutes) and unplanned needle redirections (2 [1-5] vs 5.5 [3-9]) were significantly lower in needle guidance group (p < 0.001). With interscalene blockade, needle insertion time (86 [76-146] vs 126 [94-295]) and unplanned needle redirections (2 [1-3] vs 4 [2-8.5]) were significantly lower with needle guidance (p < 0.001), but total procedure time was similar. All the physicians reported that they would use the needle guidance again, and 90% would prefer it for in-plane blocks. Conclusion: Performing regional blocks using the needle guidance device reduces needle insertion time and unplanned needle redirections in brachial plexus blockade. Moreover, physician satisfaction also improved compared to the use of the conventional technique.

Is Jedi Grip efficient and effective in ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocking? A prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: In this prospective, randomized, controlled observer-blinded study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of a single-operator technique called the Jedi Grip and a conventional technique requiring a double operator in ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blocking. METHODS: Ninety-two patients (ASA I-II; aged 18-65 years old) who underwent elective hand, wrist and forearm surgery were randomly assigned to Group Conventional (C) or Group Jedi (J). In both groups, axillary plexus blockade was performed by applying 5 cc of a mixture of 10 cc of 0.5% bupivacaine and 10 cc of 2% prilocaine to the ulnar, radial, median, and musculocutaneous nerves. Parameters such as the performance time and number of needle passes were recorded during the procedure. Subsequently, a blinded observer evaluated and recorded parameters related to the blockade success. The main outcome variables were the performance time and success rate (surgical anesthesia). RESULTS: The block performance time of the Jedi technique was slightly longer than that of the conventional technique (220 (50), 202 (78) s, respectively) (median (IQR); p = 0.05). No significant difference was found between groups in terms of blocking success; 9 (20%) from the conventional group and 3 (6.4%) from the Jedi group were unsuccessful (p = 0.053). No differences were found in terms of arterial puncture, and no other complications occurred in either group. The motor-sensory block onset and termination times and initial analgesia requirements were similar. CONCLUSION: The Jedi technique may be applied safely with similar block success and performance results as the conventional technique.

A novel approach of using brachial plexus blockade as an experimental model for diagnosis of intraoperative nerve dysfunction with somatosensory evoked potentials: a blinded proof-of-concept study.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative nerve dysfunction has been difficult to investigate because of its rarity and unpredictable occurrence. The diagnostic test attributes of nerve function monitors have not been clearly defined. This proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the feasibility of using brachial plexus blockade (BPB) in awake patients as an experimental model for nerve dysfunction to characterize the diagnostic test attributes of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). METHODS: We obtained baseline SSEPs and neurologic function in patients and subsequently placed BPBs (experimental model) to generate progressive states of nerve dysfunction. We monitored SSEP changes (index test) and neurologic symptoms (reference standard) simultaneously during the onset of BPB to determine the temporal relationships and diagnostic test attributes of SSEPs. RESULTS: Brachial plexus blockade produced differential motor and sensory dysfunction that allowed simultaneous clinical and neurophysiologic assessment. One hundred and fifty-seven pairs of multiple data points from 14 patients were included for final analysis. The onset of abnormal SSEP signals almost always preceded the onset of neurologic symptoms. The sensitivities and specificities of SSEP to detect the impairment of power (motor rating score ≤ 4/5), cold sensation, and two-point discrimination were 100% and 67%, 99% and 55%, and 100% and 46%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study found that BPB can produce sufficient differential nerve dysfunction to allow adequate evaluation of the diagnostic test attributes of SSEPs as a nerve monitor. The results of this study may stimulate further work on refining intraoperative nerve dysfunction models and diagnostic nerve function monitors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03409536); registered 24 January 2018.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La dysfonction nerveuse peropératoire est difficile à étudier en raison de sa rareté et de son imprévisibilité. Les attributs d'un test diagnostique des moniteurs de la fonction nerveuse n'ont pas été clairement définis. Cette étude de démonstration de faisabilité visait à évaluer la faisabilité de l'utilisation d'un bloc du plexus brachial (BPB) chez des patients éveillés comme modèle expérimental de la dysfonction nerveuse afin de caractériser les attributs de test diagnostique des potentiels évoqués somesthésiques (PES). MéTHODE: Nous avons enregistré les PES et la fonction neurologique de base des patients, puis administré des BPB (modèle expérimental) pour générer des états progressifs de dysfonction nerveuse. Nous avons surveillé simultanément les changements des PES (test pour déterminer l'indicateur) et les symptômes neurologiques (norme de référence) pendant l'évolution du BPB afin de déterminer les relations temporelles et les attributs de test diagnostique des PES. RéSULTATS: Le bloc du plexus brachial a produit une dysfonction motrice et sensorielle différentielle qui nous a permis de procéder à une évaluation clinique et neurophysiologique simultanée. Cent cinquante-sept paires de points de données multiples issues de 14 patients ont été incluses pour l'analyse finale. L'apparition de signaux de PES anormaux a presque toujours précédé l'apparition de symptômes neurologiques. Les sensibilités et les spécificités des PES pour détecter la perte de force (score moteur ≤ 4/5), la sensation de froid et la discrimination à deux points étaient de 100 % et 67 %, 99 % et 55 %, et 100 % et 46 %, respectivement. CONCLUSION: Cette étude a constaté que le bloc du plexus brachial peut produire une dysfonction nerveuse différentielle suffisante pour permettre l'évaluation adéquate des attributs de test diagnostique des PES en tant que moniteur nerveux. Les résultats de cette étude pourraient motiver d'autres travaux sur l'amélioration des modèles de dysfonction nerveuse peropératoire et des moniteurs diagnostiques de la fonction nerveuse. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'éTUDE: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03409536); enregistrée le 24 janvier 2018.

New composite scale for evaluating peripheral nerve block quality in upper limb orthopaedics surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Developments in ultrasound guided (UG) peripheral nerve block (PNB) techniques have significant advantages for patients undergoing trauma surgery. Brachial plexus blockade (BPB) for upper extremity surgery provide superior analgesia, improve recovery and patient satisfaction. To the best of our knowledge there is no tool for evaluation of the quality of UG PNB which concerns the quality of PNB, the tolerance of the patient towards the anaesthetic approach, and postoperative analgesia as well. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Standardized UG BPB anaesthesia - was performed; interscalene-supraclavicular (ISC-SC) and axillary-supraclavicular (AX-SC) approach for upper limb surgery. A GCS like tool was developed with which the Sensory, Motor, Coping of patient and Postoperative (SMCP) pain qualities were measured. The quality of PNBs were evaluated by a quality of anaesthesia graded by anaesthesiologist (QAGA) and the SMCP scale as well, the means of midazolam and opioid consumption during surgery, vital parameters, postoperative pain intensity (VNRS) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Ninety three unpremedicated adult patients with ASA I-III were scheduled for unilateral upper limb surgery. Nearly the same mean volumes of local anaesthetic solution were used in the AX-SC and ISC-SC groups (28.3-31.0 ml). There were no significant difference in the quality of PNB measured by QAGA or SMCP scale between the AX-SC and the ISC-SC groups, however 75 patients were assessed as Excellent with the SMCP scale vs. 39 with the QAGA. 97.8% of the patients were in the Excellent and Good category evaluated with SMPC vs. 86% with QAGA (p < 0.001). There was no surgery abandoned due to failed PNB and no tourniquet pain was detected. There was no evidence of side effects or complications of PNB during the follow-up period. DISCUSSION: This composite tool is designed for evaluating the loss of sensory and motor function; the coping of the patient and the postoperative pain as well. Our novel SMCP evaluation tool focuses on the overall condition of the patient during surgery and in the postoperative period. This more precise outcome evaluating scale is significantly superior to the formerly used QAGA in representing the high success rate of UG PNB.

Horner's Syndrome with Unilateral Brachial Plexus Blockade Mimicking Cerebrovascular Accident Following Lumbar Combined Spinal Epidural Analgesia for Labor.

Horner's Syndrome (HS) with brachial plexus involvement following lumbar epidural anesthesia may be a startling event for the patient and providers. We present a case of Horner's Syndrome and complete brachial plexus blockade following epidural bolus of lidocaine for labor analgesia that was initially misdiagnosed as a cerebrovascular accident. Use of the catheter was discontinued and the episode resolved with expectant management. This complication is otherwise benign and resolves without sequelae.

Ultrasound-guided anterior approach to the axillary and intercostobrachial nerves in the axillary fossa: an anatomical investigation.

BACKGROUND: The posterolateral and medial aspect of the arm is supplied by the axillary (AXN) and intercostobrachial nerves (ICBN), which are not anaesthetised by an axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB). Blockade of the AXN and the ICBN has been reported in the quadrangular space (QS) posteriorly or by serratus plane block, respectively. An anterior ultrasound-guided approach to block the AXN and ICBN would be desirable to complete an ABPB at a single insertion site. METHODS: After a preliminary dissection study in six cadavers, ultrasound-guided AXN and ICBN injection was performed in 46 Thiel embalmed cadavers bilaterally. Key sonographic landmarks to identify the AXN in the QS are the humerus, teres major muscle, and subscapular muscle. With the same probe position, the ICBN was identified in the subfascial axillary space. Then, 2 ml latex was injected at each nerve and confirmed by dissection. RESULTS: Muscular and bony landmarks were identified in all cadavers. The AXN was seen in 99% in the QS or at the inferolateral margin of the subscapular muscle and surrounded by latex in 96% of cases. Latex spread to the axillary fossa, within the subscapular muscle, or to the radial nerve was noted in 8% of the injections. The ICBN was seen and surrounded by latex in 100% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a reliable ultrasonographic approach to visualise the AXN and ICBN anteriorly from the conventional ABPB approach as confirmed in this cadaver study.

Is the change of percutaneous oxygen pressure available to judge the effects of brachial plexus block?

BACKGROUND: To know the objective methods of the effects of the brachial plexus block, we studied the changes in percutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) with the hypothesis that tcPO2 increases significantly on the blocked arm in comparison with the non-blocked arm, a phenomenon which is connected with vasodilation following the brachial plexus block. METHODS: Fifteen patients scheduled for upper extremity surgery, aged 20 to 70 years, with ASA physical status I or II were included. Before anaesthesia, the electrodes used to measure tcPO2 were put on the radial side of the forearm and upper arm of both the right and left sides (a total of 4 electrodes). Oxygen at 6 L min⁻¹ was administered by a facial mask. Once midazolam 1-2 mg and fentanyl 50 µg had been administered intravenously, a propofol infusion was started at a dose of 2 mg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹. The interscalene block was performed by means of a nerve stimulator, using 20 mL of 1% lidocaine solution combined with 20 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine solution. TcPO2 was measured just before the block and 30 minutes after the block. RESULTS: TcPO2 in both forearm and upper arm significantly increased after the block in both sides namely, blocked and non-blocked. No difference was observed in tcPO2 between the blocked side and non-blocked side. CONCLUSION: Changes of tcPO2 are not useful in order to assess the effects of the interscalene block under oxygen administration.

Regional anesthesia for vascular surgery.

Patients presenting for vascular surgery present a challenge to anesthesiologists because of their severe systemic comorbidities. Regional anesthesia has been used as a primary anesthetic technique for many vascular procedures to avoid the cardiovascular and pulmonary perturbations associated with general anesthesia. In this article the use of regional anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy, open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, infrainguinal arterial bypass, lower extremity amputation, and arteriovenous fistula formation is described. A focus is placed on reviewing the literature comparing anesthetic techniques, with brief descriptions of the techniques themselves.

Bloqueo continuo del plexo braquial en el posoperatorio inmediato / Continuous brachial plexus block in immediate postoperative

Objetivo: evaluar el período posoperatorio inmediato en pacientes con lesiones traumáticas quirúrgicas del miembro superior que han recibido dos métodos de anestesia-analgesia. Métodos: se estudiaron 240 pacientes, todos ASA I-II-III según la clasificación del estado físico de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología. Se dividieron en dos grupos iguales, grupo G: anestesia general endotraqueal más fentanil y analgesia con dipirona 1,2 g IM cada 6 h, y grupo B: anestesia regional por técnicas continuas de bloqueo del plexo braquial con 100 mg de bupivacaína y analgesia regional con igual anestésico local cada 6 h. Resultados: las complicaciones respiratorias se presentaron solamente en el grupo G (p= 0,01), mientras que las cardiovasculares se observaron 5,3 veces más en el grupo G (p= 0,000). Las náuseas y vómitos se manifestaron en más de la mitad de los pacientes (55 por ciento) del grupo G y solo en seis (5 por ciento) del grupo B (p= 0,000). La retención de orina y la oliguria se observó en tres y cuatro pacientes respectivamente, todos masculinos y del grupo G (p= 0,000). La tendencia a la hiperglucemia apareció en el grupo G en 27 pacientes (22,5 por ciento) y solo en cinco (4,2 por ciento) del grupo B (p= 0,000). Las molestias por la manipulación de la vía aérea superior, se presentaron en 79 pacientes (65,8 por ciento) del grupo G; mientras que las molestias por el catéter solo se refirió en 16 pacientes (13,3 por ciento) del grupo B. El grupo G a las 24 h llegó a tener 69 pacientes (57,5 por ciento) en el nivel de analgesia no satisfactoria (p= 0,01).Conclusiones: el método de anestesia-analgesia regional por bloqueo continuo del plexo braquial tuvo menor incidencia de complicaciones en el posoperatorio inmediato y mejor calidad de analgesia(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the immediate postoperative period in surgical patients with traumatic injuries of the upper limb who have undertaken two methods of anesthesia-analgesia. Methods: 240 patients were studied, all ASA I-II-III according to the classification of the American Society of Anesthesiologists for physical state. They were divided into two equal groups. Group G had general endotracheal anesthesia and analgesia with fentanyl plus dipyrone 1.2 g IM every 6 h, and group B who had regional anesthesia techniques for continuous brachial plexus block with 100 mg of bupivacaine and regional analgesia with equal local anesthetic every 6 h. Results: respiratory complications occurred only in group G (p= 0.01), cardiovascular complications were observed 5.3 times more in G group (p= 0.000). Nausea and vomiting were expressed in more than half of patients (55 percent) in group G and only in six (5 percent) from group B (p= 0.000). Urine retention and oliguria were observed in three and four patients respectively, all male from group G (p= 0.000). Hyperglycemia tendency appeared in group G in 27 patients (22.5 percent) and in only five (4.2 percent) from group B (p= 0.000). Discomfort by manipulating the upper airway occurred in 79 patients (65.8 percent) from group G; nuisance due to the catheter was only referred in 16 patients (13.3 percent) from group B. 24 hours after surgery, Group G had 69 patients (57.5 percent) in unsatisfactory analgesia level (p= 0.01). Conclusions: the method of regional anesthesia-analgesia by continuous brachial plexus block had lower incidence of complications in the immediate postoperative period and better quality of analgesia(AU)

Bloqueo continuo del plexo braquial en el posoperatorio inmediato / Continuous brachial plexus block in immediate postoperative

OBJETIVO: evaluar el período posoperatorio inmediato en pacientes con lesiones traumáticas quirúrgicas del miembro superior que han recibido dos métodos de anestesia-analgesia. MÉTODOS: se estudiaron 240 pacientes, todos ASA I-II-III según la clasificación del estado físico de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología. Se dividieron en dos grupos iguales, grupo G: anestesia general endotraqueal más fentanil y analgesia con dipirona 1,2 g IM cada 6 h, y grupo B: anestesia regional por técnicas continuas de bloqueo del plexo braquial con 100 mg de bupivacaína y analgesia regional con igual anestésico local cada 6 h. RESULTADOS: las complicaciones respiratorias se presentaron solamente en el grupo G (p= 0,01), mientras que las cardiovasculares se observaron 5,3 veces más en el grupo G (p= 0,000). Las náuseas y vómitos se manifestaron en más de la mitad de los pacientes (55 %) del grupo G y solo en seis (5 %) del grupo B (p= 0,000). La retención de orina y la oliguria se observó en tres y cuatro pacientes respectivamente, todos masculinos y del grupo G (p= 0,000). La tendencia a la hiperglucemia apareció en el grupo G en 27 pacientes (22,5 %) y solo en cinco (4,2 %) del grupo B (p= 0,000). Las molestias por la manipulación de la vía aérea superior, se presentaron en 79 pacientes (65,8 %) del grupo G; mientras que las molestias por el catéter solo se refirió en 16 pacientes (13,3 %) del grupo B. El grupo G a las 24 h llegó a tener 69 pacientes (57,5 %) en el nivel de analgesia no satisfactoria (p= 0,01). CONCLUSIONES: el método de anestesia-analgesia regional por bloqueo continuo del plexo braquial tuvo menor incidencia de complicaciones en el posoperatorio inmediato y mejor calidad de analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the immediate postoperative period in surgical patients with traumatic injuries of the upper limb who have undertaken two methods of anesthesia-analgesia. METHODS: 240 patients were studied, all ASA I-II-III according to the classification of the American Society of Anesthesiologists for physical state. They were divided into two equal groups. Group G had general endotracheal anesthesia and analgesia with fentanyl plus dipyrone 1.2 g IM every 6 h, and group B who had regional anesthesia techniques for continuous brachial plexus block with 100 mg of bupivacaine and regional analgesia with equal local anesthetic every 6 h. RESULTS: respiratory complications occurred only in group G (p= 0.01), cardiovascular complications were observed 5.3 times more in G group (p= 0.000). Nausea and vomiting were expressed in more than half of patients (55 %) in group G and only in six (5 %) from group B (p= 0.000). Urine retention and oliguria were observed in three and four patients respectively, all male from group G (p= 0.000). Hyperglycemia tendency appeared in group G in 27 patients (22.5 %) and in only five (4.2 %) from group B (p= 0.000). Discomfort by manipulating the upper airway occurred in 79 patients (65.8 %) from group G; nuisance due to the catheter was only referred in 16 patients (13.3 %) from group B. 24 hours after surgery, Group G had 69 patients (57.5 %) in unsatisfactory analgesia level (p= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: the method of regional anesthesia-analgesia by continuous brachial plexus block had lower incidence of complications in the immediate postoperative period and better quality of analgesia.

Regional anesthesia in neonates and infants.

Optimal pain management can significantly impact the surgical outcome and length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Regional anesthesia is an effective alternative that can be used in both term and preterm neonates. A variety of neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks have been used for specific surgical and NICU procedures. Ultrasound guidance has increased the feasibility of using these techniques in neonates. Education and training staff in the use of continuous epidural infusions are important prerequisites for successful implementation of regional anesthesia in NICU management protocols.

Clinical Effects of Ketamine on Ropivacaine in Brachial Plexus Blockade / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Ketamine enhances local anesthetic and analgesic effects of bupivacaine by peripheral mechanisms. We evaluated the additive effects of ketamine (30 mg) on 0.5%, and 0.75% ropivacaine (total 30 ml) for an interscalene brachial plexus blockade (IBPB). METHODS: Thirty five adult patients scheduled for major forearm or hand surgery were prospectively randomized to receive one of the following solutions. Group 1 received 0.75% ropivacaine 28 ml with normal saline 2 ml, group 2 received 0.75% ropivacaine 28 ml with 5% ketamine 0.6 ml and normal saline 1.4 ml, group 3 received 0.75% ropivacaine 20 ml with normal saline 10 ml, and group 4 received 0.75% ropivacaine 20 ml with 5% ketamine 0.6 ml and normal saline 9.4 ml. At 1 minute intervals after IBPB, patients were assessed to determine loss of shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, wrist flexion and loss of pinprick in the deltoid, radial, median, and ulnar dermatomes. At 5 minute intervals after IBPB, pulse rate, blood pressure, sedation score and level of discomfort were assessed. Before discharge, patients were asked to document when incisional discomfort began and when full sensation and motor control returned to the arm. RESULTS: The onset time of loss of pinprick and motor blockade were similar. Duration of sensory and motor blockade were similar in all groups. Hemodynamic changes and sedation scores were not significantly different in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that 30 mg of ketamine didn't enhance the onset and duration of sensory or motor blockade of ropivacaine during the 0.75% or 0.5% ropivacaine IBPB.