Validation of the ipsilateral nipple as the needle directional guide during right internal jugular vein catheterization: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The ipsilateral nipple has been used as a directional guide for needle advance during internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization. We attempted to validate the utility of the ipsilateral nipple during IJV catheterization. METHODS: One hundred and two patients scheduled for elective surgery were enrolled. In the 15° Trendelenberg position with 30° head rotation, the apex of the triangle formed by the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the clavicle was identified. The angle formed by the line connecting the apex and the ipsilateral nipple and the actual course of the IJV was measured. The distance between the apex of the anatomical triangle and the IJV center identified were measured via ultrasound. RESULTS: The angle formed by the line connecting the apex and the ipsilateral nipple and the IJV was 16 ± 7.6° and was greater in females than males (14.8 ± 1.1 vs 17.4 ± 1.0°, P = 0.043). Regression analysis showed that height, weight, gender, and age did not affect the angle as an independent factor. The apex of the anatomical triangle was 0.5 cm medial to the IJV center and was shorter in females compared to males (0.33 ± 0.12 vs 0.6 ± 0.09 cm, P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that when the needle is inserted at the apex of the anatomical triangle directed towards the ipsilateral nipple, it crosses the IJV at 16°. Since the common carotid artery is usually medial to the IJV, directing the needle towards the ipsilateral nipple seems to be a safe way to avoid the common carotid artery and successfully puncture the IJV.

Multicenter study on the asymmetry of skin temperature in complex regional pain syndrome: An examination of temperature distribution and symptom duration.

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and American Medical Association (AMA), the diagnostic criteria for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) require the presence of skin temperature asymmetry. In CRPS, it is generally accepted that the temperature of skin of affected limbs changes from warm to cold; however, in our clinical practice, we have experienced many cases with different thermographic characteristics. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective multicenter study that examined the distribution of skin temperature in patients with CRPS and skin temperature asymmetry versus symptom duration.Patients diagnosed with type 1 or 2 CRPS were recruited. After confirming CRPS according to the IASP diagnostic criteria, infrared thermographic images were evaluated for skin temperature differences (ΔT) between the affected and unaffected limbs.A total of 296 patients with CRPS were included in this study. The median duration of symptoms was 6 months and the mean ±â€Šstandard deviation of ΔT was -0.72 ±â€Š1.65°C. A skin temperature difference between bilateral limbs (|ΔT|) of 1°C or less was seen in 131 patients (44.3%); thus, these 131 patients did not meet the IASP criteria for CRPS. Further, cool skin temperature was not observed in 88 patients (29.7%), meaning that these patients did not meet the AMA criteria for CRPS. There was no correlation between the symptom duration and ΔT (Spearman's rho = -0.075, P = 0.196) and there was no significant difference in the average ΔT among the 4 symptom duration groups (0-3 months, 4-6 months, 7-12 months, >12 months, P = 0.08).In conclusion, a considerable proportion of the patients that participated in this study did not meet the thermal criteria set forth by the IASP and AMA. Further, there was no correlation between symptom duration and skin temperature difference.

Insulin Facilitates the Recovery of Myocardial Contractility and Conduction during Cardiac Compression in Rabbits with Bupivacaine-Induced Cardiovascular Collapse.

Bupivacaine inhibits cardiac conduction and contractility. Insulin enhances cardiac repolarization and myocardial contractility. We hypothesizes that insulin therapy would be effective in resuscitating bupivacaine-induced cardiac toxicity in rabbits. Twelve rabbits were tracheally intubated and midline sternotomy was performed under general anesthesia. Cardiovascular collapse (CVC) was induced by an IV bolus injection of bupivacaine 10 mg/kg. The rabbits were treated with either saline (control) or insulin injection, administered as a 2 U/kg bolus. Internal cardiac massage was performed until the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and the time to the return of sinus rhythm (ROSR) was also noted in both groups. Arterial blood pressure, and electrocardiography were continuously monitored for 30 min and plasma bupivacaine concentrations at every 5 min. The ROSC, ROSR and normalization of QRS duration were attained faster in the insulin-treated group than in the control group. At the ROSC, there was a significant difference in bupivacaine concentration between two groups. Insulin facilitates the return of myocardial contractility and conduction from bupivacaine-induced CVC in rabbits. However, recovery of cardiac conduction is dependent mainly on the change of plasma bupivacaine concentrations.

Occipital nerve stimulation in a patient with an intractable chronic headache -A case report-.

Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is a form of peripheral nerve stimulation used to treat refractory headaches. The trial of ONS was carried with the midline incision C1-2 level, inserted electrical lead subcutaneously to oblique and cephalad direction followed by trajectory of blunt dissection. We used 8 pole electrical lead to cover lesser occipital nerve, greater occipital nerve, third occipital nerve and great auricular nerve. We anchored the lead at the midline insertion site after confirming the stimulation of the patient. And then we looped and tightened the lead loosely, connected the lead and the extension under right supraspinatus muscle region. After 1 week trial period, we performed the permanent implantation of occipital nerve stimulator. We inserted internal pulse generator under a pocket located at right infraclavicular region. The VAS score dropped from 8/10 to 1-2/10. No serious complications were detected during 1 month follow-up.