Success Rate Of Spinal Anaesthesia Research Articles

Impact of Ultrasound-Assisted Method on Success Rate of Spinal Anesthesia Performed by Novice Trainees: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

In current practice, single-shot spinal anesthesia has traditionally been performed using the conventional surface-anatomic-Landmark-Guided technique. This "blind" technique has significant critical issues such as a high risk of complications due to the numerous attempts at spinal needle placement and the negative impact on the learning curve of the trainees. Ultrasound-Assisted spinal anesthesia could reduce these critical issues and allow trainees to perform the procedure more easily and with fewer complications for the patient. We performed a before-and-after monocentric retrospective comparative study at the University of Naples "Federico II" (Naples, Italy). Inclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged 18 years or older; ASA physical status between I and IV; and elective orthopedic surgery under single-shot spinal anesthesia performed by supervised trainees between January 2022 and December 2022. In the selected cohort, 88 patients were included in group A (Landmark-Guided spinal anesthesia) and 91 in group B (Ultrasound-Assisted spinal anesthesia). The number of attempts by trainees (p-value < 0.005), procedure performing time (<0.001), and patient discomfort (<0.001) were significantly lower in group B than in group A. Ultrasound-Assisted single-shot spinal anesthesia performed by novice trainees reduces the number of attempts, complication rate, periprocedural pain, and patient discomfort.

Application of ultrasound in spinal anesthesia puncture

As a visual technology, ultrasound has made great progress in the application of spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is a common anesthesia method for lower abdomen and lower limb surgery. Ultrasound can clearly show the spinal canal and its sur-rounding anatomy, which makes great significance to the precision of spinal anesthesia. Scanning before spinal anesthesia with ultra-sound can predict the difficulty of puncture, locate the puncture point and measure the depth of puncture, thereby improving the suc-cess rate of spinal anesthesia, real-time ultrasound guided spinal anesthesia can observe the angle and depth of the needle in real time , which makes the whole process of anesthesia visible, the application of ultrasound to difficult and pediatric spinal puncture can reduce the complications and risks caused by multiple puncture, which has far-reaching significance. Key words: Ultrasound; Spinal anesthesia; Position; Puncture

A novel approach to neuraxial anesthesia: application of an automated ultrasound spinal landmark identification

BackgroundNeuraxial procedures are commonly performed for therapeutic and diagnostic indications. Currently, they are typically performed via palpation-guided surface landmark. We devised a novel intelligent image processing system that identifies spinal landmarks using ultrasound images. Our primary aim was to evaluate the first attempt success rate of spinal anesthesia using landmarks obtained from the automated spinal landmark identification technique.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we recruited 100 patients who required spinal anesthesia for surgical procedures. The video from ultrasound scan image of the L3/4 interspinous space in the longitudinal view and the posterior complex in the transverse view were recorded. The demographic and clinical characteristics were collected and analyzed based on the success rates of the spinal insertion.ResultsSuccess rate (95%CI) for dural puncture at first attempt was 92.0% (85.0–95.9%). Median time to detection of posterior complex was 45.0 [IQR: 21.9, 77.3] secs. There is good correlation observed between the program-recorded depth and the clinician-measured depth to the posterior complex (r = 0.94).ConclusionsThe high success rate and short time taken to obtain the surface landmark with this novel automated ultrasound guided technique could be useful to clinicians to utilise ultrasound guided neuraxial techniques with confidence to identify the anatomical landmarks on the ultrasound scans. Future research would be to define the use in more complex patients during the administration of neuraxial blocks.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov registry (NCT03535155) on 24 May 2018.

Comparing spinal blockade effectiveness and maternal hemodynamics using 25 gauge and 29 gauge spinal needles with the same volumetric flow rate in patients undergoing caesarean section

Spinal needles with different diameters can be used to prevent side effects in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia. However, the velocity of local anaesthetic changes through the spinal needle depending on the diameter of it. Local anaesthetic injection velocity has been reported to be associated with the spinal block level. We aimed to compare spinal needles of different diameters with the same local anaesthetic volumetric flow rate in terms of spinal blockade and hemodynamics in obstetric patients. Eighty-four patients received spinal anaesthesia by either a 25G needle or 29G with the same volumetric flow rate. Block levels, adverse effects, ephedrine given and a success rate of spinal anaesthesia were significantly higher in 25G than in 29G (p < .05). Athough the use of 29G was associated with a low level of block, a sufficient block level was generated for caesarean section. Furthermore, in spite of the technical difficulty, use of 29G was accompanied by a decreased incidence of maternal hypotension, bradycardia and a lowered ephedrine administration.Impact statementLocal spinal anaesthetic injections at faster flows cause turbulent flow leading to lower anaesthesia concentrations.The control of spinal anaesthesia levels has some difficulties due to anatomical repositioning, especially in pregnant patients.Also, it can cause frequent hemodynamic complications including hypotension and bradycardia, complications that may also have inadvertent effects on foetus.In this study, we showed that smaller diameter spinal needles provided safer spinal anaesthesia levels and a lower incidence of hemodynamic complications.

Failed spinal anesthesia in addicts: Is it an incidence or coincidence?

BackgroundDrug addiction remarkably increases morbidity and mortality among patients. Several cases of failed spinal anesthesia have been discovered in the clinical practice among addict patients. Different causes of failed spinal blocks have been mentioned in the literature.The aim of the study was to compare the success rate of spinal anesthesia in adult addicts and non-addicts.MethodologyThe study was conducted in Kasr al Ainy teaching hospital, Cairo University, Egypt. One hundred patients aged 20–50, ASA 1-2, both genders, undergoing lower abdominal or limbs surgeries under regional anesthesia, were included in the study. They were divided into 2 equal groups, relative to the addiction history to Marijuana, Cannabis, Tramadol, and Clonazepam. Group [NAD] non-addicts (n = 50); and Group [AD] addicts (n = 50). The success rate, onset, duration of sensory and motor blocks were evaluated. Hemodynamic data were collected, and any complications due to the drugs used or due to spinal anesthesia were recorded.ResultsThe incidence of failure of the spinal anesthesia was higher in Group [AD] (33%) than Group [NAD] (4%), (p < 0.05). There was delay in the onset time and decreased duration of both sensory and motor blocks in the addict groups compared to non-addicts. All previous findings showed statistical significant difference (P < 0.05). Hypotension (p < 0.05) and nausea occurred more in addict groups than in non-addicts. No other complications were encountered in the study.ConclusionThe incidence of failure of the intrathecal anesthesia seemed to be higher in the addict than in non-addict patients. Redo intrathecal injection with a top up 1/2 of the initial dose resulted in success of the block in all failed cases. There was a slower onset and decreased duration of both sensory and motor blocks, with higher incidence of hypotension and nausea more in the addict patients than in non-addicts.

Ultrasound-guided spinal anaesthesia in obstetrics: is there an advantage over the landmark technique in patients with easily palpable spines?

BackgroundData are scarce on the advantage of ultrasound-guided spinal anaesthesia in patients with easily identifiable bony landmarks. In this study, we compared the use of ultrasound to the landmark method in patients with no anticipated technical difficulty, presenting for caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia. MethodsA total of 150 pregnant women were recruited in this randomized, controlled study. Ultrasound examination and spinal anaesthesia were performed by three anaesthetists with experience in ultrasound-guided neuraxial block. Patients were randomized to either the Ultrasound Group (n=75) or the Landmark Group (n=75). In both groups the level of L3–4 or L4–5 was identified by ultrasound (transverse and longitudinal approach) or palpation. The primary outcome was the procedure time, measured from the time of skin puncture by the introducer to the time of viewing cerebrospinal fluid at the hub of the spinal needle. Secondary outcomes were the number of skin punctures, number of passes, and incidence of successful spinal blockade. ResultsThe average procedure time, number of skin punctures and needle passes, were similar in both groups. The number of patients with successful spinal anaesthesia after one puncture was not statistically different between the groups. ConclusionThe present results indicate that when performed by anaesthetists experienced in both ultrasound and landmark techniques, the use of ultrasound does not appear to increase the success rate of spinal anaesthesia, or reduce the procedure time or number of attempts in obstetric patients with easily palpable spines.

Single-operator real-time ultrasound-guided spinal injection using SonixGPS™: a case series

The SonixGPS™ is a novel needle tracking system that has recently been approved in Canada for ultrasound-guided needle interventions. It allows optimization of needle-beam alignment by providing a real-time display of current and predicted needle tip position. Currently, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of this technique for performance of real-time spinal anesthesia. This case series reports performance of the SonixGPS system for real-time ultrasound-guided spinal anesthesia in elective patients scheduled for joint arthroplasty. In this single-centre case series, 20 American Society of Anesthesiologists' class I-II patients scheduled for lower limb joint arthroplasty were recruited to undergo real-time ultrasound-guided spinal anesthesia with the SonixGPS after written informed consent. The primary outcome for this clinical cases series was the success rate of spinal anesthesia, and the main secondary outcome was time required to perform spinal anesthesia. Successful spinal anesthesia for joint arthroplasty was achieved in 18/20 patients, and 17 of these required only a single skin puncture. In 7/20 (35%) patients, dural puncture was achieved on the first needle pass, and in 11/20 (55%) patients, dural puncture was achieved with two or three needle redirections. Median (range) time taken to perform the block was 8 (5-14) min. The study procedure was aborted in two cases because our clinical protocol dictated using a standard approach if spinal anesthesia was unsuccessful after three ultrasound-guided insertion attempts. These two cases were classified as failures. No complications, including paresthesia, were observed during the procedure. All patients with successful spinal anesthesia found the technique acceptable and were willing to undergo a repeat procedure if deemed necessary. This case series shows that real-time ultrasound-guided spinal anesthesia with the SonixGPS system is possible within an acceptable time frame. It proved effective with a low rate of failure and a low rate of complications. Our clinical experience suggests that a randomized trial is warranted to compare the SonixGPS with a standard block technique.

Practicability and patients' subjective experiences of low-dose spinal anaesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine for transanal surgery

The safety, effectiveness and long lasting post-operative analgesia make spinal anaesthesia in saddle block technique an "ideal" method for transanal surgery. To improve patient satisfaction and offer reliable operation conditions to surgeons, this study quantifies practicability and patients' subjective experiences with this technique. Within a 5-month period, 400 consecutive patients undergoing transanal surgery in saddle block technique were evaluated by a standardised questionnaire. The success rate of spinal anaesthesia was 99.5%. Side effects occurred far less frequently as mentioned in the literature. The duration of the sensory block was about twice as long as the time until first mobilisation and micturition. Despite some negative experiences during the procedure, 92% of the investigated patients would choose a saddle block again. Both from reasons of practicability and from patients' view, spinal anaesthesia in saddle block technique can be thoroughly recommended for transanal surgery. Patients undergoing a stapler haemorrhoidectomy should receive additional opioids.

Determination of factors affecting the success rate of spinal anaesthesia

Department of II. Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

High success rate and low incidence of headache and neurological symptoms with two spinal needle designs in children*

In children, only a few trials have evaluated the use of spinal needles with special tip designs. In this study, we compared the success rate and incidence of post-dural puncture complaints of two small-gauge spinal needle designs used in children undergoing spinal anaesthesia (SA). Three hundred and three children aged 9 months to 17 years presenting for subumbilical surgery were randomly assigned to have a 26G Atraucan (n = 156) or 27G Whitacre (n = 147) spinal needle for SA. The number of attempts to obtain successful cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) return and the success rate of SA were recorded. The first week of recovery was recorded by a diary. Both groups had a similar one-attempt success rate: 80% in the Atraucan group and 81% in the Whitacre group. Failure to obtain CSF occurred in one patient in the Atraucan group and in two patients in the Whitacre group. Paraesthesia was observed more commonly in the Whitacre group (10%) than in the Atraucan group (2%) (P = 0.004). The success rate of SA was 96%, with no differences between the two needles; one child was given general anaesthesia and 11 children (3%) a single dose of supplemental analgesia for the skin incision. Forty-one children (15%) developed a headache, 13 of which were classified as post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), seven cases (5%) in the Atraucan group and six (4%) in the Whitacre group; none of the children required a blood patch. Fifteen children (10%) in the Atraucan group and nine (7%) in the Whitacre group developed low back pain. Two children (1%) in the Atraucan group and four (3%) in the Whitacre group developed transient neurological symptoms (TNSs). Both needles were associated with a high success rate and a low incidence of complaints.