Continuous Catheter Research Articles

Agreement between cardiac output estimation by multi-beat analysis of arterial blood pressure waveforms and continuous thermodilution in post cardiac surgery intensive care unit patients

We sought to assess agreement of cardiac output estimation between continuous pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) guided thermodilution (CO-CTD) and a novel pulse wave analysis (PWA) method that performs an analysis of multiple beats of the arterial blood pressure waveform (CO-MBA) in post-operative cardiac surgery patients. PAC obtained CO-CTD measurements were compared with CO-MBA measurements from the Argos monitor (Retia Medical; Valhalla, NY, USA), in prospectively enrolled adult cardiac surgical intensive care unit patients. Agreement was assessed via Bland-Altman analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed on data segments identified as arrhythmia, or with low CO (less than 5 L/min). 927 hours of monitoring data from 79 patients was analyzed, of which 26 had arrhythmia. Mean CO-CTD was 5.29 ± 1.14 L/min (bias ± precision), whereas mean CO-MBA was 5.36 ± 1.33 L/min, (4.95 ± 0.80 L/min and 5.04 ± 1.07 L/min in the arrhythmia subgroup). Mean of differences was 0.04 ± 1.04 L/min with an error of 38.2%. In the arrhythmia subgroup, mean of differences was 0.14 ± 0.90 L/min with an error of 35.4%. In the low CO subgroup, mean of differences was 0.26 ± 0.89 L/min with an error of 40.4%. In adult patients after cardiac surgery, including those with low cardiac output and arrhythmia CO-MBA is not interchangeable with the continuous thermodilution method via a PAC, when using a 30% error threshold.

Interscalene block with liposomal bupivacaine versus continuous interscalene catheter in primary total shoulder arthroplasty.

Multimodal pain regimens in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) now include regional anesthetic techniques. Historically, regional anesthesia for extended postoperative pain control in TSA was administered using a continuous interscalene catheter (CIC). Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is used for its potential for similar pain control and fewer complications compared with indwelling catheters. We evaluated the efficacy of interscalene LB compared with a CIC in postoperative pain control for patients undergoing TSA. This was a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary-care academic medical center including consecutive patients undergoing primary anatomic or reverse TSA from 2016 to 2020 who received either single-shot LB or a CIC for perioperative pain control. Perioperative and outcome variables were collected. The primary outcome was postoperative pain control, whereas the secondary outcome was health care utilization. The study included 565 patients, with 242 in the CIC cohort and 323 in the LB cohort. Demographic characteristics including sex (P=.99) and race (P=.81) were similar between the cohorts. The LB cohort had significantly lower mean pain scores at 24 hours (3 vs. 2, P<.001) and 36 hours (3 vs. 2, P<.001) postoperatively. The CIC cohort showed a higher percentage of patients experiencing a pain score of 9 or 10 postoperatively (29% vs. 17%, P=.001), whereas the LB cohort had a significantly greater proportion of opioid-free patients (32% vs. 10%, P<.001). Additionally, a greater proportion of CIC patients required opioid escalation to patient-controlled analgesia (7% vs. 2%, P=.002). The CIC cohort experienced a greater length of stay (2.3 days vs. 2.1 days, P=.01) and more 30-day emergency department visits (5% vs. 2%, P=.038). LB demonstrated lower mean pain scores at 24 and 36 hours postoperatively and lower rates of severe postoperative pain. Additionally, LB patients showed significantly higher rates of opioid-free pain regimens. These results suggest that as part of a multimodal pain regimen in primary shoulder arthroplasty, LB may provide greater reductions in pain and opioid use when compared with CICs.

Double-tunneled catheter method for continuous peripheral nerve block.

Dear Editor, Continuous peripheral nerve block provided by an infusion through a peripheral nerve catheter is an attractive option for both the patient and the anesthesiologist. One of the main problems is dislodgement of the catheter, which can occur in up to 10% of cases.[1] Methods used to prevent peripheral catheter displacement are dressings, tissue glue, suturing and tunneling. The benefit of a dressing probably decreases with time, as the dressing becomes less sticky with time, and is interfered with by sweat or by ooze from the catheter site. Additionally, the site of catheter, presence of hairy skin and type of dressing have a large impact on occurrence of catheter displacement. Tunneling has been described as a method of reducing catheter displacement and infection rates, and seems to have a high rate of success.[2,3] Byrne et al.[4] compared the force requirement for extraction for peripheral nerve catheters under three different situations, tunneled, tunneled and double-tunneled catheters in a porcine model. They concluded that double tunneled catheters were associated with nearly a fourfold increase in force required for displacement compared with single-tunneled catheters, and a 17-fold increase in force of displacement compared with tunneled catheters in porcine model. Double tunneling is not much tested in human subjects. It could be because of chances of kinking of catheter at the site of second tunnel, lack of enough space, requirement of special care at the time of removal, and increase in infection rate due to two skin punctures. Infection is unlikely to be a major problem due to its very low incidence in short-term peripheral nerve catheters.[5] Double-tunneling allows catheter to circle the bridge of skin created between two loops of catheter Figure 1. In our case, we double tunneled the continuous catheter in the infraclavicular region after its placement under ultrasound guidance. We did not face any technical difficulty while inserting it. Insertion required the help of an assistant to stabilize the catheter during the procedure. The catheter was maintained for 48 hours and was removed without any problems. The patient did not complain of any scar formation on successive follow up. Catheter dislodgement is prevented due to the tightening of the bridge of skin in case any untoward force pulls it. This benefit of tunneling is less affected by the site of the catheter or the nature of the surrounding skin, unlike dressings. We have successfully extended the use of this technique to supraclavicular continuous catheter placements. Double-tunneling is a new technique of peripheral nerve catheter fixation which provides more protection from catheter dislodgement. The incidence of infection and scar formation needs to be studied further.Figure 1: Steps of double tunneling peripheral nerve catheterDeclaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Continuous local anesthetic wound infusion: Impact on pain score and opioid use in patients undergoing elective mastectomy.

Opioids are commonly used to control acute postoperative pain but their usage is associated with significant complications and the potential of addiction. This study was designed to assess the effect of a Continuous Local Anesthetic Wound Infusion Catheter (CLAWIC) on pain score and as an opioid-sparing agent in patients undergoing elective mastectomy. The search was done using all patients' record from February 2013 to February 2018. The data were collected through the acute pain service database, operation room lists, surgical site infection database, acute pain service sheet, and anesthesia sheet. The patients inclusion criteria were adults who underwent elective mastectomy surgery at King Fahad Specialist Hospital. Patient age, sex, weight, and height were also recorded. The opioid use intraoperatively and postoperatively was significantly lower in the CLAWIC than in the control group. Also, accumulative opioid use was significantly lower in the CLAWIC group. From transfer to the PACU until 48 hours postoperatively, the percentage of patients requiring opioids was significantly lower in the CLAWIC group. After 48 hours, there was no difference in opioid use between the two groups. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were significantly lower in the CLAWIC than in the control group. CLWIC showed opioid-sparing effects following mastectomy, as shown by a significantly lower mean opioid dose and a lower percentage of subjects needing opioid analgesia. The procedure is easy to perform and relatively safe. CLWIC could reduce opioid consumption while maintaining good postoperative pain control.

The safety of continuous fascia iliaca block in patients with hip fracture taking pre-injury anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medications

BackgroundFascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is an effective method to treat pain in adult trauma patients with hip fracture. Of importance is the high prevalence of preinjury anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications in this population. To date, we have not identified any literature that has specifically evaluated the safety of FICB with continuous catheter infusion in patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. The purpose of this study is to quantify the complication rate associated with FICB in patients who are actively taking prescribed anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medications prior to injury and identify factors that may predispose patients to an adverse event. MethodsThis retrospective study included consecutive adult trauma patients (age ≥18) with hip fracture who underwent placement of FICB within 24 h of admission and had been taking anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medications pre-injury. Patients were excluded if their catheter was placed more than 24 h post-hospital admission. Patients were evaluated for demographics, injury severity, laboratory values, medication history, receipt of coagulation-related reversal medications, and complications related to FICB placement. Complications included bleeding at the insertion site requiring catheter removal and 30-day catheter site infection. The incidence of complications was reported and risk factors for complications were identified using univariate and multivariate statistics. ResultsThere were 124 patients included. The mean age was 81 ± 10 years, and the most common mechanism was ground level fall (94%). Most patients were taking single antiplatelet therapy (65%), followed by anticoagulant alone (21%), combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy (7.3%) and dual antiplatelet therapy (7.3%). The most common antiplatelet was aspirin (88%) and the most common anticoagulant was warfarin (60%). Of the patients taking warfarin, the average INR on admission was 2.3 ± 0.8. Only 1 bleeding complication (0.8%) was noted in a patient prescribed clopidogrel pre-injury which occurred 5 days post-catheter placement. This same patient was noted to have superficial surgical site bleeding most likely secondary to the use of enoxaparin for post-operative deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. There were 4 orthopedic superficial surgical site infections (3.2%), all remote from the catheter site. The pre-injury medication prescribed in these patients was aspirin 81 mg, aspirin 325 mg, rivaroxaban and dabigatran, respectively. No factors were associated with a complication thus multivariate analysis was not performed. ConclusionThe incidence of complications associated with fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) in adult trauma patients prescribed pre-injury anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications is low. In this retrospective review, we did not identify any complications that were directly associated with the FICB procedure. Fascia iliaca block with continuous infusion catheter placement can be safely performed on patients who are on therapeutic anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet agents.

Size and vision: Impact of fluoroscopic navigation, digital tomosynthesis, and continuous catheter tip tracking on diagnostic yield of small, bronchus sign negative lung nodules

IntroductionAccurate biopsies of lung nodules, including small (<2 cm), bronchus sign negative lesions, remain challenging. Technological advances, however, may improve outcomes. We describe our experience using a novel system combining fluoroscopic navigation with digital tomosynthesis and continuous catheter tip tracking to guide lung nodule biopsies. MethodsDemographic data, procedural characteristics, and biopsy results from prospectively enrolled patients were collected. Results159 nodules (144 patients) were biopsied. Average nodule size was 22.2 ± 15.2 mm (axial), 21.7 ± 13.9 mm (coronal), and 33.2 ± 20.5 mm (sagittal), with 45% (n = 72) <2 cm in all dimensions and 66% (n = 105) without a bronchus sign.Diagnostic yield was 84% (134/159), with malignancy (n = 75, 47%) most common. A diagnosis was obtained in 75% (n = 54/72) of lesions that were <2 cm in all dimensions and 79% (n = 83/105) of bronchus sign negative lesions.Unadjusted generalized mixed-effects logistic regression models showed that nodule size as a categorical variable (>2 cm in any dimension) and as a continuous variable in the coronal dimension, the presence of a bronchus sign, and a concentric radial EBUS view had an increased odds ratio for diagnosis. A concentric radial EBUS view also had an increased OR for diagnosis in a fully adjusted mixed-effects logistic regression model. ConclusionFluoroscopic navigation with digital tomosynthesis and continuous catheter tip tracking shows an overall improved diagnostic accuracy compared to historical controls, including for small, bronchus sign negative lesions. Future studies clarifying the optimal modality for patients with different nodules will be of importance to provide the most appropriate procedure tailored to each individual lesion's unique characteristics.

A Case Illustrating the Practical Application of the AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacologic, Physical, and Cognitive Pain Alleviation for Musculoskeletal Extremity/Pelvis Surgery.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline "Pharmacologic, Physical, and Cognitive Pain Alleviation for Musculoskeletal Extremity/Pelvis Surgery" is a summary of the available literature designed to help guide surgeons provide a safe and effective means of pain alleviation for orthopaedic surgery patients. The following case study demonstrates these guidelines at work in a patient undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. The recommendations listed in the following sentences are from the Clinical Practice Guideline. Preoperative patient education regarding the effects of opioids and benefits of early termination may help patients discontinue opioids earlier in their postoperative course. Perioperative use of intravenous ketamine and regional anesthesia continuous peripheral nerve catheters help reduce pain scores and decrease opioid use. Postoperative cryotherapy may provide a modest benefit in reducing pain scores. Postoperative cyclooxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and oral acetaminophen improve pain and decrease opioid use. Combination opioid/NSAIDs may provide a modest improvement in pain scores at the expense of NSAID dose optimization in the postoperative period. Gabapentin has not been shown to improve patient outcomes; however, pregabalin may decrease pain and opioid use after total joint arthroplasty.

Continuous Transversus Abdominis Plane Infusion via Surgically Inserted Catheter for Postoperative Analgesia After Abdominal Aortic Surgery by Retroperitoneal Approach: TAPCACAO Study

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the analgesic properties of continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) infusion with ropivacaine compared to placebo for postoperative analgesia in elective surgery of the abdominal aorta by retroperitoneal exposure. We conducted a prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind study comparing a group of patients with a TAP catheter undoing ropivacaine infusion with a placebo group. Patients received a left retroperitoneal pararectal exposure for abdominal aortic surgery. A continuous infusion catheter was placed under visual control by the surgeon before closure and removed after 48hr. All patients had postoperative patient-controlled analgesia with morphine. The primary endpoint was morphine consumption during the first 24hr. The analysis included 25 patients in the placebo group and 24 in the ropivacaine group. The average morphine consumption during the first 24hr was significantly different, with 31±16mg in the ropivacaine group and 41±17mg in the placebo group (P=0.019). At 48hr, morphine consumption was still lower in the ropivacaine group (42±26mg) than in the placebo group (64±25mg) (P=0.003). The opioid narcotic-related side effects of opioid infusion (postoperative nausea and vomiting, constipation) and length of hospital stay were similar in both populations. Our study showed that continuous TAP block with ropivacaine via surgically inserted catheter significantly decreased morphine consumption at 24 and 48hr after elective abdominal aortic surgery by retroperitoneal exposure.

A Technique of Continuous Catheter Irrigation in an Infected Wrist Joint: Improving Management in Septic Arthritis of the Wrist.

Septic arthritis of the wrist though decidedly rare can lead to severe consequences with loss of form and function of the hand. The approach to diagnosis and treatment remains challenging and may need multiple surgeries, prolonged hospital stays along with intravenous antibiotics for restitution of a pain and disease-free functioning wrist. Arthroscopic washout of the wrist joint, has paved the way for a less invasive and more effective approach to the management of the condition reducing the number of operations needed and the need for open wrist washout. In our paper, we describe in addition to arthroscopic washout of an infected wrist joint the insertion of irrigation catheters followed by continuous irrigation with normal saline through the catheters using an infusion pump for 5 days leading to resolution of symptoms without further surgical interventions.

Single shot interscalene regional anesthesia provides noninferior analgesia and decreased complications compared with an indwelling catheter for arthroscopic and reconstructive shoulder surgery.

There is an abundance of literature comparing the efficacy, safety, and complication rates of regional anesthesia in shoulder surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare analgesia efficacy, and complication rates between single shot and continuous catheters in patients undergoing arthroscopic or reconstructive shoulder surgery in a large cohort. Consecutive patients (n=1888) who underwent shoulder arthroplasty or arthroscopic shoulder surgery and had regional anesthesia were included. Patients had either a single-shot interscalene block (SSIB) or an SSIB with a continuous interscalene nerve block with a catheter (CIB). The decision for SSIB or CIB was selected based on patient risk factors and surgeon preference. Patients received phone calls on postoperative days 1, 2, 7, and 14 to assess for pain levels (numeric rating scale [NRS]) and complications. One hundred sixty patients received SSIB, and 1728 patients received CIB. The postoperative NRS scores at day 1 were also similar. There were 3 complications (2%) in the SSIB group and 172 complications (10%) in the CIB group. Ten patients in the CIB group required emergency department (ED) visits secondary to block complications compared with no ED visits in the SSIB group. In 1888 consecutive patients, SSIB and CIB provided similar pain relief following shoulder surgery. However, patients who received CIB had significantly more complications and ED visits than patients who received SSIB. The potential benefits of longer pain relief may not outweigh the risks of CIB vs. SSIB in common shoulder procedures.

Implementation and Postoperative Management of Continuous Adductor Canal Catheters for Total Knee Arthroplasty to Reduce Surgical Backlog Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Acute Pain Service Nursing Perspective and Educational Resource

PurposeIn response to the surgical backlog created by the COVID-19 pandemic and to spare valuable hospital resources, we developed and implemented a continuous adductor canal catheter (CACC) program for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. CACC's offer superior analgesia, decrease opioid use, and increase patient satisfaction while simultaneously promoting a decreased length of hospital stay and even same day discharges. The implementation of analgesia protocols using continuous peripheral nerve catheters and isometric pumps has been described for other surgical procedures and populations; however, the role of the Acute Pain Service Nurse (APS RN) in the implementation of such a program has not been described. DesignAn best practice initiative for TKA patients receiving CACC was developed and implemented for patients recovering both in the hospital and at home. MethodsWe describe the development and implementation of a CACC program for TKA patients in response to the surgical backlog created by the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of the APS RN. We provide a detailed narrative description of our postoperative assessment and experience, and offer practical insights for the postoperative care of these patients. We share the educational resources and assessment tools we developed to ensure consistent, safe, and effective clinical management of CACC patients in the hospital and at home. FindingsCACCs via elastomeric pumps have been shown to offer significant advances to pain control following TKA, decrease opioid use, enable earlier discharge, and improve patient satisfaction, all of which we observed unequivocally in our patients. In our experience, implementation of a daily telephone follow up by an APS RN for discharged TKA patients with a CACC was crucial for patient safety, patient satisfaction, and reducing emergency phone calls and emergency room visits. ConclusionsWe anticipate this description will provide an invaluable educational resource for other Acute Pain Service programs as similar outpatient peripheral nerve catheter programs are developed in response to the pandemic.

Complete atrioventricular block under epidural ropivacaine infusion in a patient with first-degree atrioventricular block and myasthenia gravis: a case report

BackgroundFirst-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) may lead to complete AVB. Herein, we present a case of a complete AVB under thoracic epidural catheter infusion of ropivacaine with fentanyl in a patient with first-degree AVB and myasthenia gravis.Case presentationA 74-year-old woman with first-degree AVB underwent thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Continuous thoracic epidural catheter infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine with fentanyl was initiated at 15 min before the end of the surgery. At 9 h postoperatively, the electrocardiogram showed a 10-s-long pause due to complete AVB. Thus, a temporary pacemaker was implanted, and at 19 h postoperatively on postoperative day 1, cardiac pacing was initiated and lasted approximately 30 s. After catheter removal, she had no further episodes of complete AVB.ConclusionFirst-degree AVB may lead to complete AVB under the influence of thoracic epidural infusion of ropivacaine in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Catheter test: A reliable alternative to assess adequacy of bladder management in patients of PUV in developing countries

Following posterior urethral valve ablation, persisting bladder dysfunction can lead to lack of improvement or worsening of hydronephrosis and as well, to lack of improvement or even worsening renal function. On the other hand, managing bladder dysfunction offers the possibility of lessening both the degree of hydronephrosis and the level of serum creatinine. As we have no available urodynamics we feel impelled to find other means of diagnosing and managing abnormal bladder dynamics in these boys. We wanted to determine if a short course of continuous bladder drainage would be an effective means of lowering abnormal serum creatinine levels. Based on an assumption that most bladders following valve ablation, especially in those boys with a persistently elevated serum creatinine post valve ablation, have some form of dysfunction, we wanted to determine if a short course of continuous catheter drainage could improve these abnormal serum creatinine levels. The study was conducted over a 3year period and included all children up to 3 years of age who had higher age-appropriate nadir serum creatinine, 3 months post valve ablation. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 2 month and 3-month post valve ablation. On third follow-up visit patients with an elevated serum creatinine level were subjected to continuous bladder drainage (catheter test) for 5 days and serum creatinine level was recorded at the end of 5th day. Enforced bladder management which included dose titration of anti-muscaranic drugs and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) with or without nocturnal catheter drainage (NOC) was instituted for next 3 months. Serum creatinine was determined at the end of the 3 month period and compared with prior values. A total of 21 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the children at the time of valve ablation was 6.97±4.38 months. There was a significant fall in serum creatinine from 0.64±0.12mg/dl pre 5 days of drainage to 0.48±0.10at the end of the 5 day period (p=0.024) along with a significant rise in GFR (p=0.001). Following 3 months of enforced bladder management, there was a very mild rise in creatinine to 0.51, a normal age adjusted value. The study demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis of bladder dysfunction in boys with an elevated serum creatinine levels post valve ablation. Elevated nadir serum creatinine 3 months post ablation seems to be a useful indicator of possible bladder dysfunction; lowering of serum creatinine following a 5 day trial of continuous bladder drainage confirms this diagnosis. However, the lack of availability of urodynamic testing leaves the specific type of bladder dysfunction undiagnosed. Lowering of serum creatinine following a 5-day trial of continuous bladder drainage can be used as a rough indicator of existing bladder dysfunction in boys with a history of PUV and should be used in countries without urodynamic equipment as an indicator for at least a 3 month trial of enforced bladder management.

Returns of micro bubble air contrast: A technique to improve ultrasound visibility of continuous catheter.

Returns of micro bubble air contrast: A technique to improve ultrasound visibility of continuous catheter.

An alternative technique for assisting continuous catheter placement.

An alternative technique for assisting continuous catheter placement.

Efficiency of Retromuscular Rectus Sheath Block with Continuous Bupivacaine Catheter Infusion After Open Gastrectomy

Abstract Severe pain is a major problem in the early postoperative period after open major upper gastrointestinal surgery. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of rectus sheath block with catheters placed through open access into the retromuscular space in providing effective pain relief. A prospective study was done at Rīga East University Hospital, Latvia. Thirty-nine patients with open gastrectomy were allocated into two groups: 21 patients in the block group and 18 patients in the control group. In the block group, at the end of the operation, two catheters were inserted into the retromuscular plane under the m. rectus abdominis through the open access (using a specially invented technique). After surgery, patients in the block group received continuous 0.125% (10–12 mg/h) bupivacaine infusion through rectus sheath catheters for 72 hours. Patients in the control group received standard postoperative analgaesia. The results showed that postoperative pain at rest was significantly lower in the Block group than in the control group at 48-hour and 72-hour intervals after surgery. Pain on movement in the block group was significantly lower than that in the control group at all postoperative times: at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The median fentanyl requirement range in the postoperative period was significantly lower in the block group (0.5 (0–1.25) mg) than in the control group (2.0 (1.0–3.25) mg (p = 0.001)). Continuous retromuscular rectus sheath infiltration of 0.125% bupivacaine through a rectus sheath catheter after open gastrectomy provides effective postoperative analgaesia in the early postoperative period and significantly reduces opioid consumption.

Abstract No. : ABS2262: Ultrasound guided continuous stellate ganglion block in peripheral vascular disease of upper limb - A case series

Background and Aims:Stellate ganglion block relieves pain and improves perfusion in peripheral vascular disease(PVD) of upper limbs. Single shot stellate ganglion block often provides only short-term relief and repeated blocks are associated with tissue or neural damage and infections. Non-availability/affordability limits the use of thermal radiofrequency nerve ablation of the stellate ganglion.We report our experience of managing 46 cases of PVD of upper limb with continuous stellate ganglion block(CSGB).Methods:Six cases of PVD of left upper limb who presented with severe ischemic neuropathic pain and blackish discoloration of fingers were treated with ultrasound guided CSGB with infusion of 0.125% of bupivacaine at 5ml per hour for 5 days. All patients were assessed for intensity of pain using numerical rating scale (NRS), change of colour and peripheral pulsations before the procedure and 2, 4, 12 and 24 weeks after the procedure.Results:All the patients reported significant reduction in NRS scores, improvement in skin colour, healing of gangrenous lesions and return of peripheral pulsations at follow up visits.Conclusion:Continuous catheter infusion not only provides more sustained pain relief and emerges as a cost effective option in improving perfusion and aid wound healing.

Optimal location for continuous catheter analgesia among the femoral triangle, proximal, or distal adductor canal after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized double-blind controlled trial

BackgroundPain management after total knee arthroplasty is essential to improve early mobilization, rehabilitation, and recovery. Continuous adductor canal (AC) block provides postoperative analgesia while preserving quadriceps strength. However, there have...

Opioid Sparing at 24 h after Total Shoulder Arthroplasty by Undiluted Liposomal Bupivacaine Single Shot Interscalene Block: A Randomized Clinical Trial, First Results

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative opioid consumption following total shoulder arthroplasty, after: (A) a single-shot undiluted liposomal bupivacaine (LB; commercial name: Exparel) interscalene block, or (B) a Ropivacaine block (R), supplemented with continuous catheter infusion. Methods: This prospective, randomized study (NCT03739021) compared postoperative analgesic requirements in Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) during the first 24 h after discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) in patients receiving total shoulder arthroplasty. Two similar groups of 30 patients each received equivalent general operative anesthesia. Preoperative interscalene block was performed with either 10mL of undiluted liposomal bupivacaine (LB) or ropivacaine (R) 0.5% plus continuous catheter infusion. Results: There were no differences between the two groups regarding age, gender, length of surgery, intraoperative narcotic usage, or length of hospital stay. The time required to administer (LB) compared to (R) was significantly reduced (5 min vs. 15 min). The LB group experienced a reduction in MME during the first 24 h after PACU discharge (25 vs. 41 MME). Conclusion: A single shot of undiluted liposomal bupivacaine (LB) provided a significant (p = 0.045) reduction in opioid use during the first 24 h after shoulder replacement surgery compared to ropivacaine (R) with continuous catheter infusion. A larger sample group will be required to bolster these results. There was no measured difference in reported pain level. LB also took less time to administer.

Glucocorticoid minimizes local anesthetic infusion requirement through adductor canal block and improves perioperative prosthetic joint range of motion in total knee arthroplasty.

IntroductionThe use of glucocorticoid as local anesthetic adjuvant in single-injection adductor canal block (ACB) is well-documented but its effects in the presence of an indwelling catheter is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the impacts of one-time perineural glucocorticoid injection on continuous adductor canal block in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.MethodsA single center retrospective study of 95 patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was performed. Patients were divided into three groups based on adjuvant received through ACB before continuous catheter placement: a control group with no adjuvant (N = 41), a treatment group with dexamethasone (DEX) as adjuvant (N = 33) and another treatment group with DEX/ Methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) as adjuvant (N = 21). The primary outcome was the amount of ropivacaine administered via patient controlled ACB catheter. Secondary outcomes included numeric pain score, perioperative opioid usage, immediately postoperative prosthetic knee joint active range of motion (AROM), opioid usage at 6 weeks and 3 months, length of stay and discharge disposition.ResultsPatients in both treatment groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the requirement of self-administered ropivacaine than the control group on postoperative day (POD) 1 (p<0.001) and POD 2 (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in opioid consumption and pain scores between either treatment group vs. control. Compared to control (66%), more home disposition was observed in the DEX (88%, p = 0.028) and DEX/MPA group (95%, p = 0.011).ConclusionThis study suggested that single dose perineural glucocorticoid injection with DEX or DEX/MPA significantly decreased the dose of local anesthetic ropivacaine infusion required through continuous ACB for TKA while maintaining comparable level of pain score and opioid consumption, and significantly more patients were discharged home.