Comparison of a GPS needle-tracking system, multiplanar imaging and 2D imaging for real-time ultrasound-guided epidural anaesthesia: A randomized, comparative, observer-blinded study on phantoms.

Background: The real-time ultrasound-guided paramedian sagittal oblique approach for neuraxial blockade is technically demanding. Innovative technologies have been developed to improve nerve identification and the accuracy of needle placement. The aim of this study was to evaluate three types of ultrasound scans during ultrasound-guided epidural lumbar punctures in a spine phantom.

The Algoplus Score to Assess Acute Postoperative pain in Elderly patients-A Pilot Observational Study.

Standard verbal or analogue scales may not be accurate to assess acute postoperative pain in elderly patients. This study was designed to field test the Algoplus tool, developed specifically for this population and based on observation of patient behavior. Prospective, observational cohort.

Pupil diameter during postanesthetic recovery is not influenced by postoperative pain, but by the intraoperative opioid treatment.

Study Objective: To investigate whether pupil diameter (PD) measured during scotopic conditions is influenced by pain in conscious patients in the early postoperative period.

Design: Prospective, observational, cohort study.

Setting: Single-center, postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Subparaneural versus circumferential extraneural injection at the bifurcation level in ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve blocks: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

Background: The ideal spread of local anesthetic for effective, rapid, and safe sciatic nerve block is debated. We hypothesized that subparaneural ultrasound-guided injection results in faster onset and has a better success rate than extraneural circumferential spread.

Methods: Patients undergoing elective tibial, foot, and ankle surgery with popliteal sciatic nerve blocks were prospectively enrolled.

The new technological trends in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

Purpose Of Review: Real-time two-dimensional ultrasound guidance is undoubtedly one of the most important evolutions in the field of regional anesthesia techniques, for peripheral nerve blocks and neuraxial anesthesia. The recent literature has been analyzed for studies concerning new technological trends in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. This review focuses on electromagnetic tracking systems for ultrasound guidance and three/four-dimensional ultrasound imaging in regional anesthesia.