No correlation between minimal electrical charge at the tip of the stimulating catheter and the efficacy of the peripheral nerve block catheter for brachial plexus block: a prospective blinded cohort study.

Background: Stimulating catheters offer the possibility of delivering an electrical charge via the tip of the catheter. This may be advantageous as it allows verifying if the catheter tip is in close proximity to the target nerve, thereby increasing catheter performance. This prospective blinded cohort study was designed to investigate whether there is a correlation between the minimal electrical charge at the tip of the stimulating catheter, and the efficacy of the peripheral nerve block (PNB) catheter as determined by 24 h postoperative morphine consumption.

Pharmacokinetics of 450 mg ropivacaine with and without epinephrine for combined femoral and sciatic nerve block in lower extremity surgery. A pilot study.

Aims: No pharmacokinetic data exist on doses of ropivacaine larger than 300 mg for peripheral nerve block in man, although in clinical practice higher doses are frequently used. The purpose of the present study was to describe the pharmacokinetic profile in serum of 450 mg ropivacaine with and without epinephrine in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Methods: Twelve patients were randomly allocated to receive a single shot combined sciatic/femoral nerve block with 60 ml of either ropivacaine 0.

Autologous platelet gel in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study.

Purpose: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often associated with major postoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, and impaired wound healing. The application of autologous platelet gel (APG), prepared from the buffy coat of a unit of autologous blood, has been advocated to improve haemostasis after surgery, to decrease perioperative blood loss, diminish postoperative pain and to enhance the wound healing process. This randomized controlled pilot study was developed to assess the effects of APG after total knee arthroplasty on blood loss, wound healing, pain, range of motion, and hospital stay.

A comparison of the lateral and posterior approach for brachial plexus block.

Background: Brachial plexus block by the posterior approach described by Pippa is not widely used in contrast to the lateral approach of Winnie. We compared the clinical efficacy of both approaches in a randomized prospective study.

Methods: Eighty patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, scheduled for surgery of the shoulder or upper arm were randomized in 2 groups: lateral (Winnie, n = 40) or posterior approach (Pippa, n = 40).

Successful defibrillation immediately after the intravascular injection of ropivacaine.

Purpose: To report successful resuscitation of ventricular fibrillation induced by accidental intravascular injection of ropivacaine.

Clinical Features: A 15-yr-old healthy girl weighing 59 kg was scheduled for transposition of the tibial tuberosity under combined sciatic/three-in-one block. No premedication was given.