Edward R. Mariano, MD, MAS

Journal Articles

Inpatient falls after total knee arthroplasty: the role of anesthesia type and peripheral nerve blocks. Anesthesiology Memtsoudis, S. G., Danninger, T., Rasul, R., Poeran, J., Gerner, P., Stundner, O., Mariano, E. R., Mazumdar, M. 2014; 120 (3): 551-63
Abstract

Much controversy remains on the role of anesthesia technique and peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) in inpatient falls (IFs) after orthopedic procedures. The aim of the study is to characterize cases of IFs, identify risk factors, and study the role of PNB and anesthesia technique in IF risk in total knee arthroplasty patients.The authors selected total knee arthroplasty patients from the national Premier Perspective database (Premier Inc., Charlotte, NC; 2006-2010; n = 191,570, >400 acute care hospitals). The primary outcome was IF. Patient- and healthcare system-related characteristics, anesthesia technique, and presence of PNB were determined for IF and non-IF patients. Independent risk factors for IFs were determined by using conventional and multilevel logistic regression.Overall, IF incidence was 1.6% (n = 3,042). Distribution of anesthesia technique was 10.9% neuraxial, 12.9% combined neuraxial/general, and 76.2% general anesthesia. PNB was used in 12.1%. Patients suffering IFs were older (average age, 68.9 vs. 66.3 yr), had higher comorbidity burden (average Deyo index, 0.77 vs. 0.66), and had more major complications, including 30-day mortality (0.8 vs. 0.1%; all P < 0.001). Use of neuraxial anesthesia (IF incidence, 1.3%; n = 280) had lower adjusted odds of IF compared with adjusted odds of IF with the use of general anesthesia alone (IF incidence, 1.6%; n = 2,393): odds ratio, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.87). PNB was not significantly associated with IF (odds ratio, 0.85 [CI, 0.71-1.03]).This study identifies several risk factors for IF in total knee arthroplasty patients. Contrary to common concerns, no association was found between PNB and IF. Further studies should determine the role of anesthesia practices in the context of fall-prevention programs.

View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000120

View details for PubMedID 24534855
Adductor canal block for total knee arthroplasty: the perfect recipe or just one ingredient? Anesthesiology Mariano, E. R., Perlas, A. 2014; 120 (3): 530-2
View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000121

View details for PubMedID 24534851
Continuous lesser palatine nerve block for postoperative analgesia after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Clinical journal of pain Ponstein, N. A., Kim, T. E., Hsia, J., Goode, R., Borges, P., Mariano, E. R. 2013; 29 (12): e35-8
Abstract

OBJECTIVES:: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a commonly performed surgical intervention used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome. Continuous peripheral nerve blocks have been shown to reduce postoperative pain and opioid requirements for other surgical procedures but have not been described previously for palate surgery. We present the use of a continuous lesser palatine nerve block catheter as a part of the multimodal postoperative pain management for UPPP. CASE REPORT:: Three patients were scheduled to undergo elective UPPP and tonsillectomy for OSA with scheduled postoperative hospital admission. Each patient gave written consent to share the details of his or her case. Upon completion of the surgical procedure, but before emergence from general anesthesia, a 20-G multiorifice epidural catheter was inserted into the left nasal passage, passed into the oropharynx, and either tunneled posteriorly within the anterior portion of the soft palate with the aid of a 16-G angiocatheter or placed submucosally within the soft palate by the surgeon. Each catheter was secured using clear adhesive dressings along the cheek and anchored to the ipsilateral shoulder. A continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% at 2 mL/h was delivered using a disposable infusion device postoperatively, in addition to the prescribed oral and intravenous opioids. No immediate or long-term complications due to catheter placement were identified during the patient follow-up. DISCUSSION:: Continuous lesser palatine nerve block may be a useful regional anesthetic technique in the multimodal postoperative pain management of opioid-sensitive OSA patients undergoing UPPP and deserves further study.

View details for DOI 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3182971887

View details for PubMedID 23669453
Choice of loco-regional anesthetic technique affects operating room efficiency for carpal tunnel release JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA Mariano, E. R., Lehr, M. K., Loland, V. J., Bishop, M. L. 2013; 27 (4): 611-614
Abstract

Intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block) is indicated for minor procedures such as carpal tunnel release but must be performed in the operating room. We hypothesize that preoperative peripheral nerve blocks decrease anesthesia-controlled time compared to Bier block for carpal tunnel release. With IRB approval, we reviewed surgical case data from a tertiary care university hospital outpatient surgery center for 1 year. Unilateral carpal tunnel release cases were grouped by anesthetic technique: (1) preoperative nerve blocks, or (2) Bier block. The primary outcome was anesthesia-controlled time (minutes). Secondary outcomes included surgical time and time for nerve block performance in minutes, when applicable. Eighty-nine cases met criteria for analysis (40 nerve block and 49 Bier block). Anesthesia-controlled time [median (10th-90th percentiles)] was shorter for the nerve block group compared to Bier block [11 (6-18) vs. 13 (9-20) min, respectively; p = 0.02). Surgical time was also shorter for the nerve block group vs. the Bier block group [13 (8-21) and 17 (10-29) min, respectively; p < 0.01), but nerve blocks took 10 (5-28) min to perform. Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks performed preoperatively reduce anesthesia-controlled time compared to Bier block and may be a useful anesthetic modality in some practice environments.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s00540-013-1578-8

View details for Web of Science ID 000323248700019

View details for PubMedID 23460418
Association of age and packed red blood cell transfusion to 1-year survival - an observational study of ICU patients TRANSFUSION MEDICINE Mudumbai, S. C., Cronkite, R., Hu, K. U., Heidenreich, P. A., Gonzalez, C., Bertaccini, E., Stafford, R. S., Cason, B. A., Mariano, E. R., Wagner, T. 2013; 23 (4): 231-237
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 1-year survival for different age strata of intensive care unit (ICU) patients after receipt of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions. BACKGROUND: Despite guidelines documenting risks of PRBC transfusion and data showing that increasing age is associated with ICU mortality, little data exist on whether age alters the transfusion-related risk of decreased survival. METHODS: We retrospectively examined data on 2393 consecutive male ICU patients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital from 2003 to 2009 in age strata: 21-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80 and >80 years. We calculated Cox regression models to determine the modifying effect of age on the impact of PRBC transfusion on 1-year survival by using interaction terms between receipt of transfusion and age strata, controlling for type of admission and Charlson co-morbidity indices. We also examined the distribution of admission haematocrit and whether transfusion rates differed by age strata. RESULTS: All age strata experienced statistically similar risks of decreased 1-year survival after receipt of PRBC transfusions. However, patients age >80 were more likely than younger cohorts to have haematocrits of 25-30% at admission and were transfused at approximately twice the rate of each of the younger age strata. DISCUSSION: We found no significant interaction between receipt of red cell transfusion and age, as variables, and survival at 1 year as an outcome.

View details for DOI 10.1111/tme.12010

View details for Web of Science ID 000321975300005

View details for PubMedID 23480030
Treating Intractable Phantom Limb Pain with Ambulatory Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Pilot Study PAIN MEDICINE Ilfeld, B. M., Moeller-Bertram, T., Hanling, S. R., Tokarz, K., Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Madison, S. J., Ferguson, E. J., Morgan, A. C., Wallace, M. S. 2013; 14 (6): 935-942
Abstract

BACKGROUND.: There is currently no reliable treatment for phantom limb pain (PLP). Chronic PLP and associated cortical abnormalities may be maintained from abnormal peripheral input, raising the possibility that a continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) of extended duration may permanently reorganize cortical pain mapping, thus providing lasting relief. METHODS.: Three men with below-the-knee (2) or -elbow (1) amputations and intractable PLP received femoral/sciatic or infraclavicular perineural catheter(s), respectively. Subjects were randomized in a double-masked fashion to receive perineural ropivacaine (0.5%) or normal saline for over 6 days as outpatients using portable electronic infusion pumps. Four months later, subjects returned for repeated perineural catheter insertion and received an ambulatory infusion with the alternate solution ("crossover"). Subjects were followed for up to 1 year. RESULTS.: By chance, all three subjects received saline during their initial infusion and reported little change in their PLP. One subject did not receive crossover treatment, but the remaining two subjects reported complete resolution of their PLP during and immediately following treatment with ropivacaine. One subject experienced no PLP recurrence through the 52-week follow-up period and the other reported mild PLP occurring once each week of just a small fraction of his original pain (pretreatment: continuous PLP rated 10/10; posttreatment: no PLP at baseline with average of one PLP episode each week rated 2/10) for 12 weeks (lost to follow-up thereafter). CONCLUSIONS.: A prolonged ambulatory CPNB may be a reliable treatment for intractable PLP. The results of this pilot study suggest that a large, randomized clinical trial is warranted.

View details for DOI 10.1111/pme.12080

View details for Web of Science ID 000320730000020

View details for PubMedID 23489466
An In Vitro Study to Evaluate the Utility of the "Air Test" to Infer Perineural Catheter Tip Location JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Kan, J. M., Harrison, T. K., Kim, T. E., Howard, S. K., Kou, A., Mariano, E. R. 2013; 32 (3): 529-533
Abstract

Injection of air under ultrasound guidance via a perineural catheter after insertion ("air test") has been described as a means to infer placement accuracy, yet this test has never been rigorously evaluated. We tested the hypothesis that the air test predicts accurate catheter location greater than chance and determined the test's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values using a porcine-bovine model and blinded expert in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. The air test improved the expert clinician's assessment of catheter tip position compared to chance, but there was no difference when compared to direct visualization of the catheter without air injection.

View details for Web of Science ID 000315835900018

View details for PubMedID 23443194
Continuous interscalene nerve block following adhesive capsulitis manipulation. Regional anesthesia and pain medicine Malhotra, N., Madison, S. J., Ward, S. R., Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Ilfeld, B. M. 2013; 38 (2): 171-172
View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e318283475b

View details for PubMedID 23423135
Continuous Adductor Canal Blocks Are Superior to Continuous Femoral Nerve Blocks in Promoting Early Ambulation After TKA. Clinical orthopaedics and related research Mudumbai, S. C., Kim, T. E., Howard, S. K., Workman, J. J., Giori, N., Woolson, S., Ganaway, T., King, R., Mariano, E. R. 2013
Abstract

Femoral continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNBs) provide effective analgesia after TKA but have been associated with quadriceps weakness and delayed ambulation. A promising alternative is adductor canal CPNB that delivers a primarily sensory blockade; however, the differential effects of these two techniques on functional outcomes after TKA are not well established.We determined whether, after TKA, patients with adductor canal CPNB versus patients with femoral CPNB demonstrated (1) greater total ambulation distance on Postoperative Day (POD) 1 and 2 and (2) decreased daily opioid consumption, pain scores, and hospital length of stay.Between October 2011 and October 2012, 180 patients underwent primary TKA at our practice site, of whom 93% (n = 168) had CPNBs. In this sequential series, the first 102 patients had femoral CPNBs, and the next 66 had adductor canal CPNBs. The change resulted from a modification to our clinical pathway, which involved only a change to the block. An evaluator not involved in the patients' care reviewed their medical records to record the parameters noted above.Ambulation distances were higher in the adductor canal group than in the femoral group on POD 1 (median [10(th)-90(th) percentiles]: 37 m [0-90 m] versus 6 m [0-51 m]; p < 0.001) and POD 2 (60 m [0-120 m] versus 21 m [0-78 m]; p = 0.003). Adjusted linear regression confirmed the association between adductor canal catheter use and ambulation distance on POD 1 (B = 23; 95% CI = 14-33; p < 0.001) and POD 2 (B = 19; 95% CI = 5-33; p = 0.008). Pain scores, daily opioid consumption, and hospital length of stay were similar between groups.Adductor canal CPNB may promote greater early postoperative ambulation compared to femoral CPNB after TKA without a reduction in analgesia. Future randomized studies are needed to validate our major findings.Level III, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s11999-013-3197-y

View details for PubMedID 23897505
Ultrasound-guided Continuous Median Nerve Block to Facilitate Intensive Hand Rehabilitation CLINICAL JOURNAL OF PAIN Maxwell, B. G., Hansen, J. A., Talley, J., Curtin, C. M., Mariano, E. R. 2013; 29 (1): 86-88
Abstract

Continuous brachial plexus blocks for postoperative analgesia after upper extremity surgery are well described, but they can result in undesirable motor block and lack of specificity for minor hand procedures. We present the use of extended-duration continuous local anesthetic infusion through an ultrasound-guided median nerve catheter inserted at the forearm to facilitate hand physical therapy in a patient who had previously failed rehabilitation due to pain unrelieved by systemic opioids.A 54-year-old man presented with an inability to flex his index finger after proximal phalangeal fracture. He underwent hardware removal and extensive scar release. He had severe postoperative pain that limited his ability to comply with hand therapy, which is required to achieve functional goals after surgery. A perineural catheter was placed under ultrasound guidance adjacent to the median nerve in the proximal forearm; then a continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% was initiated and maintained for 11 days. The patient had focused sensory loss in the median nerve distribution but maintained active flexion of the fingers. He subsequently was able to participate in hand physical therapy and discontinued the use of oral opioid medications.Ultrasound-guided perineural catheters targeting terminal branch nerves may have potential benefits beyond the immediate postoperative period and in nonoperative management of patients requiring physical therapy and rehabilitation.

View details for DOI 10.1097/AJP.0b013e318246d1ca

View details for Web of Science ID 000311945500014

View details for PubMedID 22751029
A Randomized Comparison of Long- and Short-Axis Imaging for In-Plane Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Perineural Catheter Insertion JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Kim, T. E., Funck, N., Walters, T., Wagner, M. J., Harrison, T. K., Giori, N., Woolson, S., Ganaway, T., Howard, S. K. 2013; 32 (1): 149-156
Abstract

Continuous femoral nerve blocks provide effective analgesia after knee arthroplasty, and infusion effects depend on reliable catheter location. Ultrasound-guided perineural catheter insertion using a short-axis in-plane technique has been validated, but the optimal catheter location relative to target nerve and placement orientation remain unknown. We hypothesized that a long-axis in-plane technique for femoral perineural catheter insertion results in faster onset of sensory anesthesia compared to a short-axis in-plane technique.Preoperatively, patients receiving an ultrasound-guided nonstimulating femoral perineural catheter for knee surgery were randomly assigned to either the long-axis in-plane or short-axis in-plane technique. A local anesthetic was administered via the catheter after successful insertion. The primary outcome was the time to achieve complete sensory anesthesia. Secondary outcomes included the procedural time, the onset time of the motor block, pain and muscle weakness reported on postoperative day 1, and procedure-related complications.The short-axis group (n = 23) took a median (10th-90th percentiles) of 9.0 (6.0-20.4) minutes compared to 6.0 (3.0-14.4) minutes for the long-axis group (n = 23; P = .044) to achieve complete sensory anesthesia. Short-axis procedures took 5.0 (4.0-7.8) minutes to perform compared to 9.0 (7.0-14.8) minutes for long-axis procedures (P < .001). In the short-axis group, 19 of 23 (83%) achieved a complete motor block within the testing period compared to 18 of 23 (78%) in the long-axis group (P = .813); short-axis procedures took 12.0 (6.0-15.0) minutes versus 15.0 (5.1-27.9) minutes for long-axis procedures (P = .048). There were no statistically significant differences in other secondary outcomes.Long-axis in-plane femoral perineural catheters result in a slightly faster onset of sensory anesthesia, but placement takes longer to perform without other clinical advantages.

View details for Web of Science ID 000313607400017

View details for PubMedID 23269720
Preliminary Study of Ergonomic Behavior During Simulated Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia Using a Head-Mounted Display JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Udani, A. D., Harrison, T. K., Howard, S. K., Kim, T. E., Brock-Utne, J. G., Gaba, D. M., Mariano, E. R. 2012; 31 (8): 1277-1280
Abstract

A head-mounted display provides continuous real-time imaging within the practitioner's visual field. We evaluated the feasibility of using head-mounted display technology to improve ergonomics in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia in a simulated environment. Two anesthesiologists performed an equal number of ultrasound-guided popliteal-sciatic nerve blocks using the head-mounted display on a porcine hindquarter, and an independent observer assessed each practitioner's ergonomics (eg, head turning, arching, eye movements, and needle manipulation) and the overall block quality based on the injectate spread around the target nerve for each procedure. Both practitioners performed their procedures without directly viewing the ultrasound monitor, and neither practitioner showed poor ergonomic behavior. Head-mounted display technology may offer potential advantages during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

View details for Web of Science ID 000306985100017

View details for PubMedID 22837293
Vascular Surgery Patients Prescribed Preoperative beta-Blockers Experienced a Decrease in the Maximal Heart Rate Observed During Induction of General Anesthesia JOURNAL OF CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR ANESTHESIA Mudumbai, S. C., Wagner, T., Mahajan, S., King, R., Heidenreich, P. A., Hlatky, M., Wallace, A., Mariano, E. R. 2012; 26 (3): 414-419
Abstract

To investigate the association of preoperative ?-blocker usage and maximal heart rates observed during the induction of general anesthesia.Retrospective descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses of electronic hospital and anesthesia medical records.A tertiary-care medical center within the Veterans Health Administration.Consecutive adult elective and emergent patients presenting for vascular surgery during calendar years 2005 to 2011.None.Of the 430 eligible cases, 218 were prescribed ?-blockers, and 212 were not taking ?-blockers. The two groups were comparable across baseline patient factors (ie, demographic, morphometric, surgical duration, and surgical procedures) and induction medication doses. The ?-blocker group experienced a lower maximal heart rate during the induction of general anesthesia compared with the non-?-blocker group (105 ± 41 beats/min v 115 ± 45 beats/min, respectively; p < 0.01). Adjusted linear regression found a statistically significant association between lower maximal heart rate and the use of ?-blockers (? = -11.1 beats/min, p < 0.01). There was no difference between groups in total intraoperative ?-blocker administration.Preoperative ?-blockade of vascular surgery patients undergoing general anesthesia is associated with a lower maximal heart rate during anesthetic induction. There may be potential benefits in administering ?-blockers to reduce physiologic stress in this surgical population at risk for perioperative cardiac morbidity. Future research should further explore intraoperative hemodynamic effects in light of existing practice guidelines for optimal medication selection, dosage, and heart rate control.

View details for DOI 10.1053/j.jvca.2011.09.027

View details for Web of Science ID 000304215800011

View details for PubMedID 22138312
Epidural Catheter Removal in Patients on Warfarin Thromboprophylaxis A More Cautious Interpretation of Results Required? REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Carvalho, B., Mariano, E. R., Butwick, A. J. 2011; 36 (6): 632-632
View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e31822e0c7e

View details for Web of Science ID 000296532100021

View details for PubMedID 22024706
Comparing axillary with infraclavicular perineural catheters for post-operative analgesia ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Ilfeld, B. M. 2011; 55 (10): 1283-1284
View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2011.02531.x

View details for Web of Science ID 000295717800015

View details for PubMedID 22092135
Continuous Femoral Versus Posterior Lumbar Plexus Nerve Blocks for Analgesia After Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Controlled Study ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Ilfeld, B. M., Mariano, E. R., Madison, S. J., Loland, V. J., Sandhu, N. S., Suresh, P. J., Bishop, M. L., Kim, T. E., Donohue, M. C., Kulidjian, A. A., Ball, S. T. 2011; 113 (4): 897-903
Abstract

Hip arthroplasty frequently requires potent postoperative analgesia, often provided with an epidural or posterior lumbar plexus local anesthetic infusion. However, American Society of Regional Anesthesia guidelines now recommend against epidural and continuous posterior lumbar plexus blocks during administration of various perioperative anticoagulants often administered after hip arthroplasty. A continuous femoral nerve block is a possible analgesic alternative, but whether it provides comparable analgesia to a continuous posterior lumbar plexus block after hip arthroplasty remains unclear. We therefore tested the hypothesis that differing the catheter insertion site (femoral versus posterior lumbar plexus) after hip arthroplasty has no impact on postoperative analgesia.Preoperatively, subjects undergoing hip arthroplasty were randomly assigned to receive either a femoral or a posterior lumbar plexus stimulating catheter inserted 5 to 15 cm or 0 to 1 cm past the needle tip, respectively. Postoperatively, patients received perineural ropivacaine, 0.2% (basal 6 mL/hr, bolus 4 mL, 30-minute lockout) for at least 2 days. The primary end point was the average daily pain scores as measured with a numeric rating scale (0-10) recorded in the 24-hour period beginning at 07:30 the morning after surgery, excluding twice-daily physical therapy sessions. Secondary end points included pain during physical therapy, ambulatory distance, and supplemental analgesic requirements during the same 24-hour period, as well as satisfaction with analgesia during hospitalization.The mean (SD) pain scores for subjects receiving a femoral infusion (n = 25) were 3.6 (1.8) versus 3.5 (1.8) for patients receiving a posterior lumbar plexus infusion (n = 22), resulting in a group difference of 0.1 (95% confidence interval -0.9 to 1.2; P = 0.78). Because the confidence interval was within a prespecified -1.6 to 1.6 range, we conclude that the effect of the 2 analgesic techniques on postoperative pain was equivalent. Similarly, we detected no differences between the 2 treatments with respect to the secondary end points, with one exception: subjects with a femoral catheter ambulated a median (10th-90th percentiles) 2 (0-17) m the morning after surgery, in comparison with 11 (0-31) m for subjects with a posterior lumbar plexus catheter (data nonparametric; P = 0.02).After hip arthroplasty, a continuous femoral nerve block is an acceptable analgesic alternative to a continuous posterior lumbar plexus block when using a stimulating perineural catheter. However, early ambulatory ability suffers with a femoral infusion.

View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e318212495b

View details for Web of Science ID 000295215100034

View details for PubMedID 21467563
Comparison of Procedural Times for Ultrasound-Guided Perineural Catheter Insertion in Obese and Nonobese Patients JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Brodsky, J. B. 2011; 30 (10): 1357-1361
Abstract

Perineural catheter insertion with ultrasound guidance alone has been described, but it remains unknown whether this new technique results in the same procedural time and success rate for obese and nonobese patients. We therefore tested the hypothesis that obese patients require more time for perineural catheter insertion compared to nonobese patients despite using ultrasound.Data from 5 previously published randomized clinical trials comparing ultrasound- and stimulation-guided perineural catheter insertion techniques were reviewed, and patients who received ultrasound-guided catheters were divided into 2 groups: obese (body mass index ?30 kg/m(2)) and nonobese (body mass index <30 kg/m(2)). A standardized ultrasound-guided nonstimulating catheter technique was used with mepivacaine, 1.5% (40 mL), as the initial bolus via the placement needle for the primary surgical nerve block. The primary outcome was the procedural time for perineural catheter insertion. Secondary outcomes included block efficacy, procedure-related pain, fluid leakage, vascular puncture, and catheter dislodgment.A sample of 120 patients was identified: 51 obese and 69 nonobese. All obese patients had successful catheter placement compared to 68 of 69 (98%) nonobese patients (P = .388). The time for perineural catheter insertion [median (10th-90th percentiles)] was 7 (4-12) minutes for obese patients versus 7 (4-15) minutes for nonobese patients (P = .732). There were no statistically significant differences in other secondary outcomes.On the basis of this retrospective analysis, perineural catheter insertion is not prolonged in obese patients compared to nonobese patients when an ultrasound-guided technique is used. However, these results are only suggestive and require confirmation through prospective study.

View details for Web of Science ID 000295551300006

View details for PubMedID 21968486
Continuous Femoral Nerve Blocks Varying Local Anesthetic Delivery Method (Bolus versus Basal) to Minimize Quadriceps Motor Block while Maintaining Sensory Block ANESTHESIOLOGY Charous, M. T., Madison, S. J., Suresh, P. J., Sandhu, N. S., Loland, V. J., Mariano, E. R., Donohue, M. C., Dutton, P. H., Ferguson, E. J., Ilfeld, B. M. 2011; 115 (4): 774-781
Abstract

Whether the method of local anesthetic administration for continuous femoral nerve blocks--basal infusion versus repeated hourly bolus doses--influences block effects remains unknown.Bilateral femoral perineural catheters were inserted in volunteers (n = 11). Ropivacaine 0.1% was concurrently administered through both catheters: a 6-h continuous 5 ml/h basal infusion on one side and 6 hourly bolus doses on the contralateral side. The primary endpoint was the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the quadriceps femoris muscle at hour 6. Secondary endpoints included quadriceps MVIC at other time points, hip adductor MVIC, and cutaneous sensation 2 cm medial to the distal quadriceps tendon in the 22 h after initiation of local anesthetic administration.Quadriceps MVIC for limbs receiving 0.1% ropivacaine as a basal infusion declined by a mean (SD) of 84% (19) compared with 83% (24) for those receiving 0.1% ropivacaine as repeated bolus doses between baseline and hour 6 (paired t test P = 0.91). Intrasubject comparisons (left vs. right) also reflected a lack of difference: the mean basal-bolus difference in quadriceps MVIC at hour 6 was -1.1% (95% CI -22.0-19.8%). The similarity did not reach the a priori threshold for concluding equivalence, which was the 95% CI decreasing within ± 20%. There were similar minimal differences in the secondary endpoints during local anesthetic administration.This study did not find evidence to support the hypothesis that varying the method of local anesthetic administration--basal infusion versus repeated bolus doses--influences continuous femoral nerve block effects to a clinically significant degree.

View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0b013e3182124dc6

View details for Web of Science ID 000295079500019

View details for PubMedID 21394001
Posterior lumbar plexus perineural catheter insertion by ultrasound guidance alone ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA Madison, S. J., Ilfeld, B. M., Loland, V. J., Mariano, E. R. 2011; 55 (8): 1031-1032
View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2011.02489.x

View details for Web of Science ID 000294356500019

View details for PubMedID 21770905
Updated guide to billing for regional anesthesia (United States). International anesthesiology clinics Kim, T. E., Mariano, E. R. 2011; 49 (3): 84-93
View details for DOI 10.1097/AIA.0b013e31820e4a5c

View details for PubMedID 21697672
Ultrasound-Guided (Needle-in-Plane) Perineural Catheter Insertion The Effect of Catheter-Insertion Distance on Postoperative Analgesia REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Ilfeld, B. M., Sandhu, N. S., Loland, V. J., Madison, S. J., Suresh, P. J., Mariano, E. R., Bishop, M. L., Schwartz, A. K., Lee, D. K. 2011; 36 (3): 261-265
Abstract

When using ultrasound guidance to place a perineural catheter for a continuous peripheral nerve block, keeping the needle in plane and nerve in short axis results in a perpendicular needle-to-nerve orientation. Many have opined that when placing a perineural catheter via the needle, the acute angle may result in the catheter bypassing the target nerve when advanced beyond the needle tip. Theoretically, greater catheter tip-to-nerve distances result in less local anesthetic-to-nerve contact during the subsequent perineural infusion, leading to inferior analgesia. Although a potential solution may appear obvious-advancing the catheter tip only to the tip of the needle, leaving the catheter tip at the target nerve-this technique has not been prospectively evaluated. We therefore hypothesized that during needle in-plane ultrasound-guided perineural catheter placement, inserting the catheter a minimum distance (0-1 cm) past the needle tip is associated with improved postoperative analgesia compared with inserting the catheter a more traditional 5 to 6 cm past the needle tip.Preoperatively, subjects received a popliteal-sciatic perineural catheter for foot or ankle surgery using ultrasound guidance exclusively. Subjects were randomly assigned to have a single-orifice, flexible catheter inserted either 0 to 1 cm (n = 50) or 5 to 6 cm (n = 50) past the needle tip. All subjects received a single-injection mepivacaine (40 mL of 1.5% with epinephrine) nerve block via the needle, followed by catheter insertion and a ropivacaine 0.2% infusion (basal 6 mL/hr, bolus 4 mL, 30-min lockout), through at least the day after surgery. The primary end point was the average surgical pain as measured with a 0- to 10-point numeric rating scale the day after surgery. Secondary end points included time for catheter insertion, incidence of catheter dislodgement, maximum ("worst") pain scores, opioid requirements, fluid leakage at the catheter site, and the subjective degree of an insensate extremity.Average pain scores the day after surgery for subjects of the 0- to 1-cm group were a median of 2.5 (interquartile range, 0.0-5.0), compared with 2.0 (interquartile range, 0.0-4.0) for subjects of the 5- to 6-cm group (P = 0.42). Similarly, among the secondary end points, no statistically significant differences were found between the 2 treatment groups. There was a trend of more catheter dislodgements in the minimum-insertion group (5 vs 1; P = 0.20).This study did not find evidence to support the hypothesis that, for popliteal-sciatic perineural catheters placed using ultrasound guidance and a needle-in-plane technique, inserting the catheter a minimum distance (0-1 cm) past the needle tip improves (or worsens) postoperative analgesia compared with inserting the catheter a more traditional distance (5-6 cm). Caution is warranted if extrapolating these results to other catheter designs, ultrasound approaches, or anatomic insertion sites.

View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e31820f3b80

View details for Web of Science ID 000292774600012

View details for PubMedID 21519311
Long-Term Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Disability After Total Knee Arthroplasty With and Without an Extended Ambulatory Continuous Femoral Nerve Block A Prospective, 1-Year Follow-Up of a Multicenter, Randomized, Triple-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Ilfeld, B. M., Shuster, J. J., Theriaque, D. W., Mariano, E. R., Girard, P. J., Loland, V. J., Meyer, R. S., Donovan, J. F., Pugh, G. A., Le, L. T., Sessler, D. I., Ball, S. T. 2011; 36 (2): 116-120
Abstract

Previously, we have demonstrated that extending a continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB) from overnight to 4 days after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) provides clear benefits during the infusion, but not subsequent to catheter removal. However, there were major limitations in generalizing the results of that investigation, and we subsequently performed a very similar study using a multicenter format, with many health care providers, in patients on general orthopedic wards, thus greatly improving inference of the results to the general population. Not surprisingly, the perioperative/short-term outcomes differed greatly from the first, more limited study. We now present a prospective follow-up study of the previously published, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial to investigate the possibility that an extended ambulatory cFNB decreases long-term pain, stiffness, and functional disability after TKA, which greatly improves inference of the results to the general population.Subjects undergoing TKA received a cFNB with ropivacaine 0.2% from surgery until the following morning, at which time patients were randomized to continue either perineural ropivacaine (n=28) or normal saline (n=26). Patients were discharged with their catheter and a portable infusion pump, and catheters were removed on postoperative day 4. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index preoperatively and then at 7 days, as well as 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. This index evaluates pain, stiffness, and physical functional disability. For inclusion in the analysis, we required a minimum of 4 of the 6 time points, including day 7 and at least 2 of months 3, 6, and 12.The 2 treatment groups had similar Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis scores for the mean area-under-the-curve calculations (point estimate for the difference in mean area under the curve for the 2 groups [overnight infusion group - extended infusion group]=3.8; 95% confidence interval, -3.8 to +11.3; P=0.32) and at all individual time points (P>0.05).This investigation found no evidence that extending an overnight cFNB to 4 days improves (or worsens) subsequent pain, stiffness, or physical function after TKA in patients of multiple centers convalescing on general orthopedic wards.

View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e3182052505

View details for Web of Science ID 000292774500004

View details for PubMedID 21425510
Reply. Journal of ultrasound in medicine Heil, J. W., Ilfeld, B. M., Loland, V. J., Mariano, E. R. 2011; 30 (3): 423-424
View details for PubMedID 21357568
Regional anaesthesia in the obese patient: lost landmarks and evolving ultrasound guidance. Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology Brodsky, J. B., Mariano, E. R. 2011; 25 (1): 61-72
Abstract

Obesity is associated with a number of anaesthetic-related risks. Regional anaesthesia offers many potential advantages for the obese surgical patient. Advantages include a reduction in systemic opioid requirements and their associated side effects, and possible avoidance of general anaesthesia in select circumstances, with a lower rate of complications. Historically, performing regional anaesthesia procedures in the obese has presented challenges due to difficulty in identifying surface landmarks and availability of appropriate equipment. Ultrasound guidance may aid the regional anaesthesia practitioner with direct visualisation of underlying anatomic structures and real-time needle direction. Further research is needed to determine optimal regional anaesthesia techniques, local anaesthetic dosage and perioperative outcomes in obese patients.

View details for PubMedID 21516914
A Randomized Comparison of Infraclavicular and Supraclavicular Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Postoperative Analgesia REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Sandhu, N. S., Loland, V. J., Bishop, M. L., Madison, S. J., Abrams, R. A., Meunier, M. J., Ferguson, E. J., Ilfeld, B. M. 2011; 36 (1): 26-31
Abstract

Although the efficacy of single-injection supraclavicular nerve blocks is well established, no controlled study of continuous supraclavicular blocks is available, and their relative risks and benefits remain unknown. In contrast, the analgesia provided by continuous infraclavicular nerve blocks has been validated in randomized controlled trials. We therefore compared supraclavicular with infraclavicular perineural local anesthetic infusion following distal upper-extremity surgery.Preoperatively, subjects were randomly assigned to receive a brachial plexus perineural catheter in either the infraclavicular or supraclavicular location using an ultrasound-guided nonstimulating catheter technique. Postoperatively, subjects were discharged home with a portable pump (400-mL reservoir) infusing 0.2% ropivacaine (basal rate of 8 mL/hr; 4-mL bolus dose; 30-min lockout interval). Subjects were followed up by telephone on an outpatient basis. The primary outcome was the average pain score on the day after surgery.Sixty subjects were enrolled, with 31 and 29 randomized to receive an infraclavicular and supraclavicular catheter, respectively. All perineural catheters were successfully placed per protocol. Because of protocol violations and missing data, an intention-to-treat analysis was not used; rather, only subjects with catheters in situ and whom we were able to contact were included in the analyses. The day after surgery, subjects in the infraclavicular group reported average pain as median of 2.0 (10th-90th percentiles, 0.5-6.0) compared with 4.0 (10th-90th percentiles, 0.6-7.7) in the supraclavicular group (P = 0.025). Similarly, least pain scores (numeric rating scale) on postoperative day 1 were lower in the infraclavicular group compared with the supraclavicular group (0.5 [10th-90th percentiles, 0.0-3.5] vs 2.0 [10th-90th percentiles, 0.0-4.7], respectively; P = 0.040). Subjects in the infraclavicular group required less rescue oral analgesic (oxycodone, in milligrams) for breakthrough pain in the 18 to 24 hrs after surgery compared with the supraclavicular group (0.0 [10th-90th percentiles, 0.0-5.0] vs 5.0 [10th-90th percentiles, 0.0-15.0], respectively; P = 0.048). There were no statistically significant differences in other secondary outcomes.A local anesthetic infusion via an infraclavicular perineural catheter provides superior analgesia compared with a supraclavicular perineural catheter.

View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e318203069b

View details for Web of Science ID 000292774300007

View details for PubMedID 21455085
Evaluating Clinical Research and Bloodletting. (Seriously) REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Ilfeld, B. M., Mariano, E. R. 2010; 35 (6): 488-489
View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e3181f2c474

View details for Web of Science ID 000284301300003

View details for PubMedID 20975460
Comparative efficacy of ultrasound-guided and stimulating popliteal-sciatic perineural catheters for postoperative analgesia CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA-JOURNAL CANADIEN D ANESTHESIE Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Sandhu, N. S., Bishop, M. L., Lee, D. K., Schwartz, A. K., Girard, P. J., Ferguson, E. J., Ilfeld, B. M. 2010; 57 (10): 919-926
Abstract

Perineural catheter insertion using ultrasound guidance alone is a relatively new approach. Previous studies have shown that ultrasound-guided catheters take less time to place with high placement success rates, but the analgesic efficacy compared with the established stimulating catheter technique remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that popliteal-sciatic perineural catheter insertion relying exclusively on ultrasound guidance results in superior postoperative analgesia compared with stimulating catheters.Preoperatively, subjects receiving a popliteal-sciatic perineural catheter for foot or ankle surgery were assigned randomly to either ultrasound guidance (bolus via needle with non-stimulating catheter insertion) or electrical stimulation (bolus via catheter). We used 1.5% mepivacaine 40 mL for the primary surgical nerve block and 0.2% ropivacaine (basal 8 mL·hr(-1); bolus 4 mL; 30 min lockout) was infused postoperatively. The primary outcome was average surgical pain on postoperative day one.Forty of the 80 subjects enrolled were randomized to each treatment group. One of 40 subjects (2.5%) in the ultrasound group failed catheter placement per protocol vs nine of 40 (22.5%) in the stimulating catheter group (P = 0.014). The difference in procedural duration (mean [95% confidence interval (CI)]) was -6.48 (-9.90 - -3.05) min, with ultrasound requiring 7.0 (4.0-14.1) min vs stimulation requiring 11.0 (5.0-30.0) min (P < 0.001). The average pain scores of subjects who provided data on postoperative day one were somewhat higher for the 33 ultrasound subjects than for the 26 stimulation subjects (5.0 [1.0-7.8] vs 3.0 [0.0-6.5], respectively; P = 0.032), a difference (mean [95%CI]) of 1.37 (0.03-2.71).For popliteal-sciatic perineural catheters, ultrasound guidance takes less time and results in fewer placement failures compared with stimulating catheters. However, analgesia may be mildly improved with successfully placed stimulating catheters. Clinical trial registration number NCT00876681.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-010-9364-7

View details for Web of Science ID 000282185000007

View details for PubMedID 20700680
Preliminary Experience With a Novel Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Perineural Catheter Insertion Technique for Perioperative Analgesia of the Upper Extremity JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Heil, J. W., Ilfeld, B. M., Loland, V. J., Mariano, E. R. 2010; 29 (10): 1481-1485
Abstract

Brachial plexus perineural catheters provide specific analgesia for upper extremity surgery. Although single-injection ultrasound-guided supraclavicular blocks have been described, little is known about the efficacy of perineural catheters inserted using this approach. We present our experience with ultrasound-guided supraclavicular perineural catheters for distal upper extremity surgery.In this case series, 10 patients who underwent upper extremity surgery for orthopedic trauma at a tertiary care university hospital received a supraclavicular brachial plexus perineural catheter for postoperative pain management. In all patients, a nonstimulating catheter was inserted using an ultrasound-guided technique with the catheter tip remaining under direct vision until placement needle withdrawal. Postoperatively, a perineural ropivacaine, 0.2%, infusion was administered at a basal rate of 6 mL/h with a patient-controlled bolus of 4 mL and a lockout interval of 30 minutes.Of the 10 patients, all had successful perineural catheter placement. Patients required a median (range) of 0 (0-100) ?g of fentanyl for catheter insertion analgesia. There were no vascular punctures or other direct procedure-related complications. Catheters were maintained for a median (range) of 4 (2-5) days in both hospitalized and ambulatory patients. Median (range) pain scores on postoperative days 1 and 2 were 5 (0-7) and 4 (3-6), respectively, on a numeric rating scale. Three patients' catheters were removed by patient request or dislodged on postoperative day 1.Supraclavicular brachial plexus perineural catheter insertion using ultrasound guidance is feasible and deserves further study with a randomized controlled trial comparing this relatively new technique with more established approaches.

View details for Web of Science ID 000282868300013

View details for PubMedID 20876903
A multicenter, randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled trial of the effect of ambulatory continuous femoral nerve blocks on discharge-readiness following total knee arthroplasty in patients on general orthopaedic wards PAIN Ilfeld, B. M., Mariano, E. R., Girard, P. J., Loland, V. J., Meyer, R. S., Donovan, J. F., Pugh, G. A., Le, L. T., Sessler, D. I., Shuster, J. J., Theriaque, D. W., Ball, S. T. 2010; 150 (3): 477-484
Abstract

A continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB) involves the percutaneous insertion of a catheter adjacent to the femoral nerve, followed by a local anesthetic infusion, improving analgesia following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Portable infusion pumps allow infusion continuation following hospital discharge, raising the possibility of decreasing hospitalization duration. We therefore used a multicenter, randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled study design to test the primary hypothesis that a 4-day ambulatory cFNB decreases the time until each of three predefined readiness-for-discharge criteria (adequate analgesia, independence from intravenous opioids, and ambulation 30m) are met following TKA compared with an overnight inpatient-only cFNB. Preoperatively, all patients received a cFNB with perineural ropivacaine 0.2% from surgery until the following morning, at which time they were randomized to either continue perineural ropivacaine (n=39) or switch to normal saline (n=38). Patients were discharged with their cFNB and portable infusion pump as early as postoperative day 3. Patients who were given 4 days of perineural ropivacaine attained all three criteria in a median (25th-75th percentiles) of 47 (29-69)h, compared with 62 (45-79)h for those of the control group (Estimated ratio=0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.66-1.00; p=0.028). Compared with controls, patients randomized to ropivacaine met the discharge criterion for analgesia in 20 (0-38) versus 38 (15-64)h (p=0.009), and intravenous opioid independence in 21 (0-37) versus 33 (11-50)h (p=0.061). We conclude that a 4-day ambulatory cFNB decreases the time to reach three important discharge criteria by an estimated 20% following TKA compared with an overnight cFNB, primarily by improving analgesia.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pain.2010.05.028

View details for Web of Science ID 000281675000019

View details for PubMedID 20573448
Prepuncture Ultrasound Imaging to Predict Transverse Process and Lumbar Plexus Depth for Psoas Compartment Block and Perineural Catheter Insertion: A Prospective, Observational Study ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Ilfeld, B. M., Loland, V. J., Mariano, E. R. 2010; 110 (6): 1725-1728
Abstract

All widely used psoas compartment block/catheter techniques have a common limitation: external landmarks do not accurately predict lumbar plexus depth, leaving practitioners to "guess" at what depth to stop advancing the placement needle when neither transverse process nor lumbar plexus is intercepted. We assessed the accuracy of ultrasound in estimating transverse process depth before needle insertion and prediction of actual needle-to-plexus intercept depth for psoas compartment nerve blocks and perineural catheter insertion.Before needle insertion, ultrasound was used to estimate the depth of the transverse process lying directly anterior to the intercrestal line. If a transverse process was not directly anterior to the intercrestal line, then the process immediately caudad to the line was imaged. The ultrasound transducer remained in the parasagittal plane, perpendicular to the skin. After this measurement, the transducer was removed, an insulated needle connected to a nerve stimulator inserted in the parasagittal plane, and the depth of both the transverse process (if contacted) and lumbar plexus noted. A perineural catheter was subsequently inserted.Of 53 enrolled subjects, in 50 cases (94%), the transverse processes were identified by ultrasound at a median (interquartile; range) depth of 5.0 cm (4.5-5.5 cm; 3.5-7.5 cm). In 27 subjects (54%), a transverse process was positioned directly anterior to the intercrestal line, and in all of these subjects, the transverse process was intercepted with the block needle a median of 0.5 cm (0.0-1.0 cm; 0.0-1.0 cm) within the predicted depth. In all 50 subjects in whom the transverse processes were identified by ultrasound, the actual lumbar plexus depth measured with the needle was a median of 7.5 cm (7.0-8.5 cm; 5.0-9.5 cm), and the plexus depth was a median of 2.5 cm (2.0-3.0 cm; 0.2-4.0 cm) past the estimated transverse process depth by ultrasound. By ultrasound, the intersection of the middle and lateral thirds of the intercrestal line between the midline and a parallel line through the posterosuperior iliac spine was too lateral to permit needle-transverse process contact in 50% of the subjects. However, moving the transducer 0.75 cm toward the midline allowed for transverse process imaging in all subjects.For psoas compartment blocks/catheters, prepuncture ultrasound imaging accurately predicts transverse process depth to within 1 cm, and if the lumbar plexus is estimated to be within 3 cm of the transverse process, ultrasound allows prediction of maximal lumbar plexus depth to within 1 cm.

View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3181db7ad3

View details for Web of Science ID 000278263700036

View details for PubMedID 20385611
A Trainee-Based Randomized Comparison of Stimulating Interscalene Perineural Catheters With a New Technique Using Ultrasound Guidance Alone JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Sandhu, N. S., Bishop, M. L., Meunier, M. J., Afra, R., Ferguson, E. J., Ilfeld, B. M. 2010; 29 (3): 329-336
Abstract

Compared to the well-established stimulating catheter technique, the use of ultrasound guidance alone for interscalene perineural catheter insertion is a recent development and has not yet been examined in a randomized fashion. We hypothesized that an ultrasound-guided technique would require less time and produce equivalent results compared to electrical stimulation (ES) when trainees attempt interscalene perineural catheter placement.Preoperatively, patients receiving an interscalene perineural catheter for shoulder surgery were randomly assigned to an insertion protocol using either ultrasound guidance with a nonstimulating catheter or ES with a stimulating catheter. The primary outcome was the procedural duration (in minutes), starting when the ultrasound probe (ultrasound group) or catheter insertion needle (ES group) first touched the patient and ending when the catheter insertion needle was removed after catheter insertion.All ultrasound-guided catheters (n = 20) were placed successfully and resulted in surgical anesthesia versus 85% of ES-guided catheters (n = 20; P = .231). Perineural catheters placed by ultrasound (n = 20) took a median (10th-90th percentiles) of 8.0 (5.0-15.5) minutes compared to 14.0 (5.0-30.0) minutes for ES (n = 20; P = .022). All catheters placed according to the protocol in both treatment groups resulted in a successful nerve block; however, 1 patient in the ES group had local anesthetic spread to the epidural space. There was 1 vascular puncture using ultrasound guidance compared to 5 in the ES-guided catheter group (P = .182).Trainees using a new ultrasound-guided technique can place inter-scalene perineural catheters in less time compared to a well-documented technique using ES with a stimulating catheter and can produce equivalent results.

View details for Web of Science ID 000275685900002

View details for PubMedID 20194929
Ultrasound-Guided Perineural Catheter Insertion Three Approaches but Few Illuminating Data REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Ilfeld, B. M., Fredrickson, M. J., Mariano, E. R. 2010; 35 (2): 123-126
View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e3181d245a0

View details for Web of Science ID 000275384800001

View details for PubMedID 20216031
Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks Is Local Anesthetic Dose the Only Factor, or Do Concentration and Volume Influence Infusion Effects as Well? ANESTHESIOLOGY Ilfeld, B. M., Moeller, L. K., Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Stevens-Lapsley, J. E., Fleisher, A. S., Girard, P. J., Donohue, M. C., Ferguson, E. J., Ball, S. T. 2010; 112 (2): 347-354
Abstract

The main determinant of continuous peripheral nerve block effects--local anesthetic concentration and volume or simply total drug dose--remains unknown.We compared two different concentrations and basal rates of ropivacaine--but at equivalent total doses--for continuous posterior lumbar plexus blocks after hip arthroplasty. Preoperatively, a psoas compartment perineural catheter was inserted. Postoperatively, patients were randomly assigned to receive perineural ropivacaine of either 0.1% (basal 12 ml/h, bolus 4 ml) or 0.4% (basal 3 ml/h, bolus 1 ml) for at least 48 h. Therefore, both groups received 12 mg of ropivacaine each hour with a possible addition of 4 mg every 30 min via a patient-controlled bolus dose. The primary endpoint was the difference in maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the ipsilateral quadriceps the morning after surgery, compared with the preoperative MVIC, expressed as a percentage of the preoperative MVIC. Secondary endpoints included hip adductor and hip flexor MVIC, sensory levels in the femoral nerve distribution, hip range-of-motion, ambulatory ability, pain scores, and ropivacaine consumption.Quadriceps MVIC for patients receiving 0.1% ropivacaine (n = 26) declined by a mean (SE) of 64.1% (6.4) versus 68.0% (5.4) for patients receiving 0.4% ropivacaine (n = 24) between the preoperative period and the day after surgery (95% CI for group difference: -8.0-14.4%; P = 0.70). Similarly, the groups were found to be equivalent with respect to secondary endpoints.For continuous posterior lumbar plexus blocks, local anesthetic concentration and volume do not influence nerve block characteristics, suggesting that local anesthetic dose (mass) is the primary determinant of perineural infusion effects.

View details for Web of Science ID 000274046400015

View details for PubMedID 20098137
Re: Effects of local anesthetic concentration and dose on continuous interscalene nerve blocks: a dual-center, randomized, observer-masked, controlled study. Reply to dr. Borgeat. Regional anesthesia and pain medicine Ilfeld, B. M., Le, L. T., Loland, V. J., Mariano, E. R., Gerancher, J. C., Sessler, D. I. 2010; 35 (1): 120-122
View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e3181c97c6e

View details for PubMedID 20048670
Ultrasound Guidance Versus Electrical Stimulation for Femoral Perineural Catheter Insertion JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Sandhu, N. S., Bellars, R. H., Bishop, M. L., Afra, R., Ball, S. T., Meyer, R. S., Maldonado, R. C., Ilfeld, B. M. 2009; 28 (11): 1453-1460
Abstract

Continuous femoral nerve blocks provide potent analgesia and other benefits after knee surgery. Perineural catheter placement techniques using ultrasound guidance and electrical stimulation (ES) have been described, but the optimal method remains undetermined. We tested the hypothesis that ultrasound guidance alone requires less time for femoral perineural catheter insertion and produces equivalent results compared with ES alone.Preoperatively, patients receiving a femoral perineural catheter for knee surgery were randomly assigned to either ultrasound guidance with a nonstimulating catheter or ES with a stimulating catheter. The primary outcome was the catheter placement procedure time (minutes) starting when the ultrasound transducer (ultrasound group) or catheter insertion needle (ES group) first touched the patient and ending when the catheter insertion needle was removed after catheter insertion.Perineural catheters placed with ultrasound guidance (n = 20) took a median (10th-90th percentiles) of 5.0 (3.9-10.0) minutes compared with 8.5 (4.8-30.0) minutes for ES (n = 20; P = .012). All ultrasound-guided catheters were placed according to the protocol (n = 20) versus 85% of ES-guided catheters (n = 20; P = .086). Patients in the ultrasound group had a median procedure-related discomfort score of 0.5 (0.0-3.1) compared with 2.5 (0.0-7.6) for the ES group (P = .015). There were no vascular punctures with ultrasound guidance versus 4 in the ES group (P = .039).Placement of femoral perineural catheters takes less time with ultrasound guidance compared with ES. In addition, ultrasound guidance produces less procedure-related pain and prevents inadvertent vascular puncture.

View details for Web of Science ID 000271312900004

View details for PubMedID 19854959
Ultrasound-guided perineural catheter and local anesthetic infusion in the perioperative management of pediatric limb salvage: a case report PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA Loland, V. J., Ilfeld, B. M., Abrams, R. A., Mariano, E. R. 2009; 19 (9): 905-907
Abstract

Local anesthetic perineural infusion has emerged as an effective analgesic technique in pediatric patients, but it can also complement surgical perioperative management in complex cases that require optimal tissue perfusion such as limb salvage. We report the successful use of brachial plexus perineural infusion in the care of a child following near-amputation of her dominant hand. An ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus catheter was placed in the recovery room after complex reconstructive surgery and a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine maintained for 24 days. The resultant sympathectomy was integral to providing distal limb perfusion despite partial restenosis of the surgical revascularization.

View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2009.03103.x

View details for Web of Science ID 000268712100013

View details for PubMedID 19650843
Ultrasound Guidance Versus Electrical Stimulation for Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Perineural Catheter Insertion JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Bellars, R. H., Sandhu, N. S., Bishop, M. L., Abrams, R. A., Meunier, M. J., Maldonado, R. C., Ferguson, E. J., Ilfeld, B. M. 2009; 28 (9): 1211-1218
Abstract

Electrical stimulation (ES)- and ultrasound-guided placement techniques have been described for infraclavicular brachial plexus perineural catheters but to our knowledge have never been previously compared in a randomized fashion, leaving the optimal method undetermined. We tested the hypothesis that infraclavicular catheters placed via ultrasound guidance alone require less time for placement and produce equivalent results compared with catheters placed solely via ES.Preoperatively, patients receiving an infraclavicular perineural catheter for distal upper extremity surgery were randomly assigned to either ES with a stimulating catheter or ultrasound guidance with a nonstimulating catheter. The primary outcome was the catheter insertion duration (minutes) starting when the ultrasound transducer (ultrasound group) or catheter placement needle (stimulation group) first touched the patient and ending when the catheter placement needle was removed after catheter insertion.Perineural catheters placed with ultrasound guidance took a median (10th-90th percentile) of 9.0 (6.0-13.2) minutes compared with 15.0 (4.9-30.0) minutes for stimulation (P < .01). All ultrasound-guided catheters were successfully placed according to the protocol (n = 20) versus 70% in the stimulation group (n = 20; P < .01). All ultrasound-guided catheters resulted in a successful surgical block, whereas 2 catheters placed by stimulation failed to result in surgical anesthesia. Six catheters (30%) placed via stimulation resulted in vascular punctures compared with none in the ultrasound group (P < .01). Procedure-related pain scores were similar between groups (P = .34).Placement of infraclavicular perineural catheters takes less time, is more often successful, and results in fewer inadvertent vascular punctures when using ultrasound guidance compared with ES.

View details for Web of Science ID 000269460000011

View details for PubMedID 19710219
Electrical Stimulation Versus Ultrasound Guidance for Popliteal-Sciatic Perineural Catheter Insertion A Randomized Controlled Trial REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Cheng, G. S., Choy, L. P., Loland, V. J., Bellars, R. H., Sandhu, N. S., Bishop, M. L., Lee, D. K., Maldonado, R. C., Ilfeld, B. M. 2009; 34 (5): 480-485
Abstract

Sciatic perineural catheters via a popliteal fossa approach and subsequent local anesthetic infusion provide potent analgesia and other benefits after foot and ankle surgery. Electrical stimulation (ES) and, more recently, ultrasound (US)-guided placement techniques have been described. However, because these techniques have not been compared in a randomized fashion, the optimal method remains undetermined. Therefore, we tested the hypotheses that popliteal-sciatic perineural catheters placed via US guidance require less time for placement and produce equivalent results, as compared with catheters placed using ES.Preoperatively, subjects receiving a popliteal-sciatic perineural catheter for foot and/or ankle surgery were randomly assigned to either the ES with a stimulating catheter or US-guided technique with a nonstimulating catheter. The primary end point was catheter insertion duration (in minutes) starting when the US transducer (US group) or catheter-placement needle (ES group) first touched the patient and ending when the catheter-placement needle was removed after catheter insertion.All US-guided catheters were placed per protocol (n = 20), whereas only 80% of stimulation-guided catheters could be placed per protocol (n = 20, P = 0.106). All catheters placed per protocol in both groups resulted in a successful surgical block. Perineural catheters placed by US took a median (10th-90th percentile) of 5.0 min (3.9-11.1 min) compared with 10.0 min (2.0-15.0 min) for stimulation (P = 0.034). Subjects in the US group experienced less pain during catheter placement, scoring discomfort a median of 0 (0.0-2.1) compared with 2.0 (0.0-5.0) for the stimulation group (P = 0.005) on a numeric rating scale of 0 to 10.Placement of popliteal-sciatic perineural catheters takes less time and produces less procedure-related discomfort when using US guidance compared with ES.

View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e3181ada57a

View details for Web of Science ID 000270157900015

View details for PubMedID 19920423
Health-Related Quality of Life After Hip Arthroplasty With and Without an Extended-Duration Continuous Posterior Lumbar Plexus Nerve Block: A Prospective, 1-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized, Triple-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Study ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Ilfeld, B. M., Ball, S. T., Gearen, P. F., Mariano, E. R., Le, L. T., Vandenborne, K., Duncan, P. W., Sessler, D. I., Enneking, F. K., Shuster, J. J., Maldonado, R. C., Meyer, R. S. 2009; 109 (2): 586-591
Abstract

We previously reported that extending an overnight continuous posterior lumbar plexus nerve block to 4 days after hip arthroplasty provides clear benefits during the perineural infusion in the immediate postoperative period. However, it remains unknown whether the extended infusion improves subsequent health-related quality of life.Patients undergoing hip arthroplasty received a posterior lumbar plexus perineural infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% from surgery until the following morning, at which time patients were randomized to continue either perineural ropivacaine (n = 24) or normal saline (n = 23) in a double-masked fashion. Patients were discharged with their catheter and a portable infusion pump, and catheters were removed on postoperative Day 4. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index preoperatively and then at 7 days and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 mo after surgery. The WOMAC evaluates three dimensions of health-related quality of life, such as pain, stiffness, and physical functional disability (global score of 0-96, lower scores indicate lower levels of symptoms or physical disability). For inclusion in the primary analysis, we required a minimum of three of the six timepoints, including Day 7 and at least two of Months 3, 6, and 12.The two treatment groups had similar global WOMAC scores for the mean area under the curve calculations (point estimate for the difference in mean area under the curve for the two groups [extended infusion group-overnight infusion group] = 0.8, 95% confidence interval: -5.3 to + 6.8 [-5.5% to + 7.1%]; P = 0.80) and at all individual timepoints (P > 0.05).This investigation found no evidence that extending an overnight continuous posterior lumbar plexus nerve block to 4 days improves (or worsens) subsequent health-related quality of life between 7 days and 12 mo after hip arthroplasty.

View details for DOI 10.1213/ane.0b013e3181a9db5d

View details for Web of Science ID 000268298600045

View details for PubMedID 19608835
Bilateral infraorbital nerve blocks decrease postoperative pain but do not reduce time to discharge following outpatient nasal surgery CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANAESTHESIA-JOURNAL CANADIEN D ANESTHESIE Mariano, E. R., Watson, D., Loland, V. J., Chu, L. F., Cheng, G. S., Mehta, S. H., Maldonado, R. C., Ilfeld, B. M. 2009; 56 (8): 584-589
Abstract

While infraorbital nerve blocks have demonstrated analgesic benefits for pediatric nasal and facial plastic surgery, no studies to date have explored the effect of this regional anesthetic technique on adult postoperative recovery. We designed this study to test the hypothesis that infraorbital nerve blocks combined with a standardized general anesthetic decrease the duration of recovery following outpatient nasal surgery.At a tertiary care university hospital, healthy adult subjects scheduled for outpatient nasal surgery were randomly assigned to receive bilateral infraorbital injections with either 0.5% bupivacaine (Group IOB) or normal saline (Group NS) using an intraoral technique immediately following induction of general anesthesia. All subjects underwent a standardized general anesthetic regimen and were transported to the recovery room following tracheal extubation. The primary outcome was the duration of recovery (minutes) from recovery room admission until actual discharge to home. Secondary outcomes included average and worst pain scores, nausea and vomiting, and supplemental opioid requirements.Forty patients were enrolled. A statistically significant difference in mean [SD] recovery room duration was not observed between Groups IOB and NS (131 [61] min vs 133 [58] min, respectively; P = 0.77). Subjects in Group IOB did experience a reduction in average pain on a 0-100 mm scale (mean [95% confidence interval]) compared to Group NS (-11 [-21 to 0], P = 0.047), but no other comparison of secondary outcomes was statistically significant.When added to a standardized general anesthetic, bilateral IOB do not decrease actual time to discharge following outpatient nasal surgery despite a beneficial effect on postoperative pain.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s12630-009-9119-5

View details for Web of Science ID 000268294300005

View details for PubMedID 19475468
Anesthesia-controlled time and turnover time for ambulatory upper extremity surgery performed with regional versus general anesthesia JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ANESTHESIA Mariano, E. R., Chu, L. F., Peinado, C. R., Mazzei, W. J. 2009; 21 (4): 253-257
Abstract

To test the hypothesis that regional anesthesia (RA) employing a block room reduces anesthesia-controlled time for ambulatory upper extremity surgery compared with general anesthesia (GA).Retrospective cohort study.Outpatient surgery center of a university hospital.229 adult patients who underwent ambulatory upper extremity surgery over one year.Upper extremity surgery was performed with three different anesthetic techniques: 1) GA, 2) nerve block (NB) performed preoperatively, or 3) local anesthetic (LA), either Bier block or local anesthetic, administered in the operating room (OR).Demographic data, anesthesia-controlled time, and turnover time were recorded. Since the data were not normally distributed, differences in anesthesia-controlled time and turnover time were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc testing using one-way analysis of variance on the ranks of the observations, with Tukey-Kramer correction for multiple comparisons.Anesthesia-controlled time for NB (median 28 min) was significantly shorter than for GA (median 32 min, P = 0.0392). Anesthesia-controlled time for patients who received LA (median 25 min) was also significantly shorter than GA (P < 0.0001). However, turnover time did not differ significantly among the three groups.Peripheral nerve block performed preoperatively in an induction area or LA injected in the OR significantly reduces anesthesia-controlled time for ambulatory upper extremity surgery compared with GA. Turnover time is unaffected by anesthetic technique. These results may increase acceptance of RA in the ambulatory surgery setting.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2008.08.019

View details for Web of Science ID 000267501500004

View details for PubMedID 19502033
Continuous Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block via an Ultrasound-Guided Posterior Approach: A Randomized, Triple-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Study ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Mariano, E. R., Afra, R., Loland, V. J., Sandhu, N. S., Bellars, R. H., Bishop, M. L., Cheng, G. S., Choy, L. P., Maldonado, R. C., Ilfeld, B. M. 2009; 108 (5): 1688-1694
Abstract

The posterior approach for placing continuous interscalene catheters has not been studied in a controlled investigation. In this randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled study, we tested the hypothesis that an ultrasound-guided continuous posterior interscalene block provides superior postoperative analgesia compared to a single-injection ropivacaine interscalene block after moderately painful shoulder surgery.Preoperatively, subjects received a stimulating interscalene catheter using an ultrasound-guided, in-plane posterior approach. All subjects received an initial bolus of ropivacaine. Postoperatively, subjects were discharged with oral analgesics and a portable infusion device containing either ropivacaine 0.2% or normal saline programmed to deliver a perineural infusion over 2 days. The primary outcome was average pain on postoperative day (POD) 1 (scale: 0-10). Secondary outcomes included least and worst pain scores, oral opioid requirements, sleep disturbances, patient satisfaction, and incidence of complications.Of the 32 subjects enrolled, 30 perineural catheters were placed per protocol. Continuous ropivacaine perineural infusion (n = 15) produced a statistically and clinically significant reduction in average pain (median [10th-90th percentile]) on POD 1 compared with saline infusion (n = 15) after initial ropivacaine bolus (0.0 [0.0-5.0] versus 3.0 [0.0-6.0], respectively; P < 0.001). Median oral opioid consumption (oxycodone) was lower in the ropivacaine group than in the placebo group on POD 1 (P = 0.002) and POD 2 (P = 0.002). Subjects who received a ropivacaine infusion suffered fewer sleep disturbances than those in the placebo group (P = 0.005 on POD 0 and 1 nights) and rated their satisfaction with analgesia higher than subjects who received normal saline (P < 0.001).Compared to a single-injection interscalene block, a 2-day continuous posterior interscalene block provides greater pain relief, minimizes supplemental opioid requirements, greatly improves sleep quality, and increases patient satisfaction after moderate-to-severe painful outpatient shoulder surgery.

View details for DOI 10.1213/ane.0b013e318199dc86

View details for Web of Science ID 000265422300052

View details for PubMedID 19372355
Health-Related Quality of Life After Tricompartment Knee Arthroplasty With and Without an Extended-Duration Continuous Femoral Nerve Block: A Prospective, 1-Year Follow-Up of a Randomized, Triple-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Study ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Ilfeld, B. M., Meyer, R. S., Le, L. T., Mariano, E. R., Williams, B. A., Vandenborne, K., Duncan, P. W., Sessler, D. I., Enneking, F. K., Shuster, J. J., Maldonado, R. C., Gearen, P. F. 2009; 108 (4): 1320-1325
Abstract

We previously provided evidence that extending an overnight continuous femoral nerve block to 4 days after tricompartment knee arthroplasty (TKA) provides clear benefits during the perineural infusion in the immediate postoperative period. However, it remains unknown if the extended infusion improves subsequent health-related quality of life between 7 days and 12 mo.Patients undergoing TKA received a femoral perineural infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% from surgery until the following morning, at which time patients were randomized to either continue perineural ropivacaine (n = 25) or normal saline (n = 25) in a double-masked fashion. Patients were discharged with their catheter and a portable infusion pump, and catheters were removed on postoperative day 4. Health-related quality of life was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index preoperatively and then at 7 days, as well as 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 mo after surgery. The WOMAC evaluates three dimensions of health-related quality of life: pain, stiffness, and physical functional disability. For inclusion in the analysis, we required a minimum of 4 of the 6 time points, including day 7 and at least 2 of mo 3, 6, and 12.The two treatment groups had similar WOMAC scores for the mean area under the curve calculations (point estimate for the difference in mean area under the curve for the two groups [overnight infusion group-extended infusion group] = 1.2, 95% confidence interval: -5.6 to +8.0; P = 0.72) and at all individual time points (P > 0.05).We found no evidence that extending an overnight continuous femoral nerve block to 4 days improves (or worsens) subsequent health-related quality of life between 7 days and 12 mo after TKA. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00135889.).

View details for DOI 10.1213/ane.0b013e3181964937

View details for Web of Science ID 000264534700047

View details for PubMedID 19299806
Appropriate Endotracheal Tube Placement in Children: Don't Throw Away Your Stethoscopes Yet! ANESTHESIOLOGY Mariano, E. R., Ramamoorthy, C., Hammer, G. B. 2009; 110 (2): 433-434
View details for Web of Science ID 000262907500038

View details for PubMedID 19164968
The Effects of Local Anesthetic Concentration and Dose on Continuous Infraclavicular Nerve Blocks: A Multicenter, Randomized, Observer-Masked, Controlled Study ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Ilfeld, B. M., Le, L. T., Ramjohn, J., Loland, V. J., Wadhwa, A. N., Gerancher, J. C., Renehan, E. M., Sessler, D. I., Shuster, J. J., Theriaque, D. W., Maldonado, R. C., Mariano, E. R. 2009; 108 (1): 345-350
Abstract

It remains unclear whether local anesthetic concentration or total drug dose is the primary determinant of continuous peripheral nerve block effects. The only previous investigation, involving continuous popliteal-sciatic nerve blocks, specifically addressing this issue reported that insensate limbs were far more common with higher volumes of relatively dilute ropivacaine compared with lower volumes of relatively concentrated ropivacaine. However, it remains unknown if this relationship is specific to the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa or whether it varies depending on anatomic location. We therefore tested the null hypothesis that providing ropivacaine at different concentrations and rates, but at an equal total basal dose, produces comparable effects when used in a continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus block.Preoperatively, an infraclavicular catheter was inserted using the coracoid approach in patients undergoing moderately painful orthopedic surgery distal to the elbow. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a postoperative perineural ropivacaine infusion of either 0.2% (basal 8 mL/h, bolus 4 mL) or 0.4% (basal 4 mL/h, bolus 2 mL) through the second postoperative day. Both groups, therefore, received 16 mg of ropivacaine each hour with a possible addition of 8 mg every 30 min via a patient-controlled bolus dose. Our primary end point was the incidence of an insensate limb during the 24-h period beginning the morning after surgery. Secondary end points included analgesia and patient satisfaction.Patients given 0.4% ropivacaine (n = 27) experienced an insensate limb, a mean (sd) of 1.8 (1.6) times, compared with 0.6 (0.9) times for subjects receiving 0.2% ropivacaine (n = 23; estimated difference = 1.2 episodes, 95% confidence interval, 0.5-1.9 episodes; P = 0.001). Satisfaction with postoperative analgesia (scale 0-10, 10 = highest) was scored a median (25th-75th percentiles) of 10.0 (8.0-10.0) in Group 0.2% and 7.0 (5.3-8.9) in Group 0.4% (P = 0.018). Analgesia was similar in each group.For continuous infraclavicular nerve blocks, local anesthetic concentration and volume influence perineural infusion effects in addition to the total mass of local anesthetic administered. Insensate limbs were far more common with smaller volumes of relatively concentrated ropivacaine. This is the opposite of the relationship previously reported for continuous popliteal-sciatic nerve blocks. The interaction between local anesthetic concentration and volume is thus complex and varies among catheter locations.

View details for DOI 10.1213/ane.0b013e31818c7da5

View details for Web of Science ID 000261963000050

View details for PubMedID 19095871
Interscalene Perineural Catheter Placement Using an Ultrasound-Guided Posterior Approach REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Loland, V. J., Ilfeld, B. M. 2009; 34 (1): 60-63
Abstract

The posterior approach to the brachial plexus--or cervical paravertebral block--has advantages over the anterolateral interscalene approach, but concerns regarding "blind" needle placement near the neuraxis have limited the acceptance of this useful technique. We present a technique to place an interscalene perineural catheter that potentially decreases neuraxial involvement with the use of ultrasound guidance.A 55-year-old man scheduled for total shoulder arthroplasty underwent placement of an interscalene perineural catheter. The posterior approach was selected to avoid the external jugular vein and anticipated sterile surgical field. Under in-plane ultrasound guidance, a 17-gauge insulated Tuohy-tip needle was inserted between the levator scapulae and trapezius muscles, and guided through the middle scalene muscle, remaining less than 2 cm below the skin throughout. Deltoid and biceps contractions were elicited at a current of 0.6 mA, and a 19-gauge stimulating catheter was advanced 5 cm beyond the needle tip, without a concomitant decrease in motor response.The initial 40 mL 0.5% ropivacaine bolus via the catheter resulted in unilateral anesthesia typical of an interscalene block; and subsequent perineural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was delivered via portable infusion pump through postoperative day 4.Continuous interscalene block using an ultrasound-guided posterior approach is an alternative technique that retains the benefits of posterior catheter insertion, but potentially reduces the risk of complications that may result from blind needle insertion.

View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e3181933af7

View details for Web of Science ID 000262828400013

View details for PubMedID 19258989
Making it work: setting up a regional anesthesia program that provides value. Anesthesiology clinics Mariano, E. R. 2008; 26 (4): 681-?
Abstract

Regional anesthesia offers many benefits for the patient, surgery center, anesthesiology practice, and hospital. Unfortunately, there are no evidence-based guidelines to follow when starting a new service aimed at providing peripheral nerve blocks. A regional anesthesia program adds value by improving the quality of postoperative analgesia and recovery after surgery. Specialized training in regional anesthesia is necessary when using advanced techniques, such as ultrasound guidance and continuous peripheral nerve blockade. A regional anesthesia service may shorten postanesthesia recovery time in ambulatory surgery and duration of hospital admission for some surgeries. A successful regional anesthesia service promotes effective communication among all members of the perioperative team.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.anclin.2008.07.006

View details for PubMedID 19041623
Effects of Local Anesthetic Concentration and Dose on Continuous Interscalene Nerve Blocks: A Dual-Center, Randomized, Observer-Masked, Controlled Study REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Le, L. T., Loland, V. J., Mariano, E. R., Gerancher, J. C., Wadhwa, A. N., Renehan, E. M., Sessler, D. I., Shuster, J. J., Theriaque, D. W., Maldonado, R. C., Ilfeld, B. M. 2008; 33 (6): 518-525
Abstract

It is currently unknown if the primary determinant of continuous peripheral nerve block effects is simply total drug dose, or whether local anesthetic concentration and/or volume have an influence. We therefore tested the null hypothesis that providing ropivacaine at different concentrations and rates--but at an equal total basal dose--produces similar effects when used in a continuous interscalene nerve block.Preoperatively, an anterolateral interscalene perineural catheter was inserted using the anterolateral approach in patients undergoing moderately painful shoulder surgery. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a postoperative perineural infusion of either 0.2% ropivacaine (basal 8 mL/h, bolus 4 mL) or 0.4% ropivacaine (basal 4 mL/h, bolus 2 mL) through the second postoperative day. Our primary endpoint was the incidence of an insensate hand/finger during the 24 hours beginning the morning following surgery.The incidence of an insensate hand/finger did not differ between the treatment groups (n = 50) to a statistically significant degree (0.2% ropivacaine, mean [SD] of 0.8 [1.3] times; 0.4% ropivacaine, mean 0.3 [0.6] times; estimated difference = 0.5 episodes, 95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 1.1 episodes; P = .080). However, this is statistically inconclusive given the confidence interval. In contrast, pain (P = .020) and dissatisfaction (P = .011) were greater in patients given 0.4% ropivacaine.For continuous interscalene nerve blocks, given the statistically inconclusive primary endpoint results and design limitations of the current study, further research on this topic is warranted. In contrast, providing a lower concentration of local anesthetic at a higher basal rate provided superior analgesia.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.rapm.2008.05.006

View details for Web of Science ID 000260971800003

View details for PubMedID 19258966
Ambulatory continuous posterior lumbar plexus nerve blocks after hip arthroplasty: a dual-center, randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Anesthesiology Ilfeld, B. M., Ball, S. T., Gearen, P. F., Le, L. T., Mariano, E. R., Vandenborne, K., Duncan, P. W., Sessler, D. I., Enneking, F. K., Shuster, J. J., Theriaque, D. W., Meyer, R. S. 2008; 109 (3): 491-501
Abstract

The authors tested the hypotheses that after hip arthroplasty, ambulation distance is increased and the time required to reach three specific readiness-for-discharge criteria is shorter with a 4-day ambulatory continuous lumbar plexus block (cLPB) than with an overnight cLPB.A cLPB consisting of 0.2% ropivacaine was provided from surgery until the following morning. Patients were then randomly assigned either to continue ropivacaine or to be switched to normal saline. Primary endpoints included (1) time to attain three discharge criteria (adequate analgesia, independence from intravenous analgesics, and ambulation > or = 30 m) and (2) ambulatory distance in 6 min the afternoon after surgery. Patients were discharged with their cLPB and a portable infusion pump, and catheters were removed on the fourth postoperative day.Patients given 4 days of perineural ropivacaine (n = 24) attained all three discharge criteria in a median (25th-75th percentiles) of 29 (24-45) h, compared with 51 (42-73) h for those of the control group (n = 23; estimated ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.92; P = 0.011). Patients assigned to receive ropivacaine ambulated a median of 34 (9-55) m the afternoon after surgery, compared with 20 (6-46) m for those receiving normal saline (estimated ratio = 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-3.0; P = 0.42). Three falls occurred in subjects receiving ropivacaine (13%), versus none in subjects receiving normal saline.Compared with an overnight cLPB, a 4-day ambulatory cLPB decreases the time to reach three predefined discharge criteria by an estimated 38% after hip arthroplasty. However, the extended infusion did not increase ambulation distance to a statistically significant degree.

View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0b013e318182a4a3

View details for PubMedID 18719448
The effects of varying local anesthetic concentration and volume on continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blocks: A dual-center, randomized, controlled study ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Ilfeld, B. M., Loland, V. J., Gerancher, J. C., Wadhwa, A. N., Renehan, E. M., Sessler, D. I., Shuster, J. J., Theriaclue, D. W., Maldonado, R. C., Mariano, E. R. 2008; 107 (2): 701-707
Abstract

It remains unknown whether local anesthetic concentration, or simply total drug dose, is the primary determinant of continuous peripheral nerve block effects. We therefore tested the null hypothesis that providing different concentrations and rates of ropivacaine, but at equal total doses, produces comparable effects when used in a continuous sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa.Preoperatively, a perineural catheter was inserted adjacent to the sciatic nerve using a posterior popliteal approach in patients undergoing moderately painful orthopedic surgery at or distal to the ankle. Postoperatively, patients were randomly assigned to receive a perineural ropivacaine infusion of either 0.2% (basal 8 mL/h, bolus 4 mL) or 0.4% (basal 4 mL/h, bolus 2 mL) through the second postoperative day. Therefore, both groups received 16 mg of ropivacaine each hour with a possible addition of 8 mg every 30 min via a patient-controlled bolus dose. The primary end point was the incidence of an insensate limb, considered undesirable, during the 24-h period beginning the morning after surgery. Secondary end points included analgesia and patient satisfaction.Patients given 0.2% ropivacaine (n = 25) experienced an insensate limb with a mean (sd) of 1.8 (1.8) times, compared with 0.6 (1.1) times for subjects receiving 0.4% ropivacaine (n = 25; estimated difference = 1.2 episodes, 95% confidence interval, 0.3-2.0 episodes; P = 0.009). In contrast, analgesia and satisfaction were similar in each group.For continuous popliteal-sciatic nerve blocks, local anesthetic concentration and volume influence block characteristics. Insensate limbs were far more common with larger volumes of relatively dilute ropivacaine. During continuous sciatic nerve block in the popliteal fossa, a relatively concentrated solution in smaller volume thus appears preferable.

View details for DOI 10.1213/ane.0b013e3181770eda

View details for Web of Science ID 000258168300051

View details for PubMedID 18633055
Feasibility of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block catheters for pain control on pediatric medical missions in developing countries PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA Mariano, E. R., Ilfeld, B. M., Cheng, G. S., Nicodemus, H. F., Suresh, S. 2008; 18 (7): 598-601
Abstract

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB) are effective for postoperative pain management in children in the hospital and at home. CPNB techniques are particularly advantageous when compared with systemic or oral opioids on medical missions to unfamiliar environments with minimal monitoring capacity. In addition, ultrasound-guidance facilitates the placement of perineural catheters in anesthetized children even in the absence of commercially packaged regional anesthesia equipment. We present a series of successful cases employing ultrasound-guided CPNB for postoperative analgesia on medical missions and discuss the impact of this technology on present and future patients in underserved countries.

View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2008.02633.x

View details for Web of Science ID 000256379200004

View details for PubMedID 18482232
Pneumothorax following infraclavicular brachial plexus block for hand surgery. Orthopedics Sanchez, H. B., Mariano, E. R., Abrams, R., Meunier, M. 2008; 31 (7): 709-?
Abstract

The infraclavicular brachial plexus block is a routinely used anesthesia technique for orthopedic hand, wrist, and arm surgeries. Although the pulmonary anatomy surrounding the brachial plexus would suggest a theoretical potential for pneumothorax development during infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade, this complication is rarely reported in the literature. We report two occurrences of pneumothorax development following routine infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade performed by physicians at an academic training institution with technical experience. Both patients were healthy adult males with a normal body habitus undergoing elective upper extremity surgical intervention. They presented to the emergency department on postoperative days 1 and 2 with shortness of breath and chest pain. Despite different clinical management strategies for each patient, including conservative physical activity with inspirational spirometry compared to thoracic decompression, both patients' pneumothoraces resolved with no apparent sequelae. This article describes the clinical benefits of infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade versus general anesthesia during elective outpatient surgeries. The development of symptomatic pneumothoraces in 2 healthy adult patients stresses the importance of careful patient assessment pre- and postoperatively. Possible preventative strategies to avoid pneumothorax complications during infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade are discussed. This case report indicates there is a risk of iatrogenic injury during infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. This information could be valuable in determining anesthesia modalities used for orthopedic upper extremity surgeries in patient populations with problematic follow-up or limited access to health care.

View details for PubMedID 19292372
Ambulatory continuous femoral nerve blocks decrease time to discharge readiness after tricompartment total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled study. Anesthesiology Ilfeld, B. M., Le, L. T., Meyer, R. S., Mariano, E. R., Vandenborne, K., Duncan, P. W., Sessler, D. I., Enneking, F. K., Shuster, J. J., Theriaque, D. W., Berry, L. F., Spadoni, E. H., Gearen, P. F. 2008; 108 (4): 703-713
Abstract

The authors tested the hypotheses that, compared with an overnight continuous femoral nerve block (cFNB), a 4-day ambulatory cFNB increases ambulation distance and decreases the time until three specific readiness-for-discharge criteria are met after tricompartment total knee arthroplasty.Preoperatively, all patients received a cFNB (n = 50) and perineural ropivacaine 0.2% from surgery until the following morning, at which time they were randomly assigned to either continue perineural ropivacaine or switch to perineural normal saline. Primary endpoints included (1) time to attain three discharge criteria (adequate analgesia, independence from intravenous analgesics, and ambulation of at least 30 m) and (2) ambulatory distance in 6 min the afternoon after surgery. Patients were discharged with their cFNB and a portable infusion pump, and catheters were removed on postoperative day 4.Patients given 4 days of perineural ropivacaine attained all three discharge criteria in a median (25th-75th percentiles) of 25 (21-47) h, compared with 71 (46-89) h for those of the control group (estimated ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.67; P <0.001). Patients assigned to receive ropivacaine ambulated a median of 32 (17-47) m the afternoon after surgery, compared with 26 (13-35) m for those receiving normal saline (estimated ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.85; P = 0.42).Compared with an overnight cFNB, a 4-day ambulatory cFNB decreases the time to reach three important discharge criteria by an estimated 53% after tricompartment total knee arthroplasty. However, the extended infusion did not increase ambulation distance the afternoon after surgery. (ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT00135889.).

View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0b013e318167af46

View details for PubMedID 18362603
"Going fishing" - The practice of reporting secondary outcomes as separate studies REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Mariano, E. R., Ilfeld, B. M. 2007; 32 (3): 183-185
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.rapm.2007.04.002

View details for Web of Science ID 000247130900002

View details for PubMedID 17543811
Conflicting results in clinical research: Is the proof in the P value, the study design, or the pudding? REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Ilfeld, B. M., Mariano, E. R., Neal, J. M. 2007; 32 (3): 179-182
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.rapm.2007.03.007

View details for Web of Science ID 000247130900001

View details for PubMedID 17543810
An analysis of factors influencing postanesthesia recovery after pediatric ambulatory tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Edler, A. A., Mariano, E. R., Golianu, B., Kuan, C., Pentcheva, K. 2007; 104 (4): 784-789
Abstract

Many factors contribute to prolonged length of stay (LOS) for pediatric patients in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). We designed this prospective study to identify the pre- and postoperative factors that prolong LOS.We studied 166 children, aged 1-18 yr, who underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and bilateral myringotomy with tube insertion under general anesthesia. The primary outcome measure was the time spent in the PACU until predetermined discharge criteria were met.The number of episodes of postoperative nausea and vomiting, patient age, and number of oxygen desaturations contributed significantly (P < 0.05) to prolonged LOS. Each episode of postoperative nausea and vomiting (P < 0.05) or oxygen desaturation to <95% (P < 0.05) increased the patient's LOS by 0.5 h. History of upper respiratory tract infection, emergence agitation, and parental anxiety did not significantly predict increased LOS.This investigation is the first composite view of LOS in pediatric patients. The significance of identifying patients at risk of prolonged LOS prior to anesthesia is of use not only in allocating PACU resource and staffing needs, but also for improving quality of care and ensuring a minimally traumatic anesthetic experience for our pediatric patients and their families.

View details for DOI 10.1213/01.ane.0000258771.53068.09

View details for Web of Science ID 000245371900010

View details for PubMedID 17377083
Thoracic and lumbar paravertebral blocks for outpatient lithotripsy JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ANESTHESIA Jamieson, B. D., Mariano, E. R. 2007; 19 (2): 149-151
Abstract

Paravertebral nerve block has been used for a variety of surgical procedures to provide unilateral anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. We report the successful application of this regional anesthesia modality for outpatient lithotripsy. Preoperatively, thoracic and lumbar paravertebral nerve blocks with 0.5% ropivacaine were placed with ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance for two patients with ureteral calculi. One patient scheduled for cystoscopy and ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy received general anesthesia intraoperatively. The second patient underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with propofol intravenous sedation. Postoperatively, both patients reported pain scores of zero (Visual Analog Scale) for 24 hours and required no opioid rescue analgesia.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jclinane.2006.07.006

View details for Web of Science ID 000245609000016

View details for PubMedID 17379131
Transesophageal echocardiography assessment of severe aortic regurgitation in type a aortic dissection caused by a prolapsed circumferential intimal flap JOURNAL OF CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR ANESTHESIA Chow, J. L., Mariano, E. R., Liang, D. 2007; 21 (1): 85-87
View details for DOI 10.1053/j.jvca.2005.09.005

View details for Web of Science ID 000244804600016

View details for PubMedID 17289486
Hospitalization costs of total knee arthroplasty with a continuous femoral nerve block provided only in the hospital versus on an ambulatory basis: A retrospective, case-control, cost-minimization analysis REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE Ilfeld, B. M., Mariano, E. R., Williams, B. A., Woodard, J. N., Macario, A. 2007; 32 (1): 46-54
Abstract

After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), hospitalization may be shortened by allowing patients to return home with a continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB). This study quantified the hospitalization costs for 10 TKA patients receiving ambulatory CFNB versus a matched cohort of 10 patients who received CFNB only during hospitalization.We examined the medical records (n = 125) of patients who underwent a unilateral, primary, tricompartment TKA with a postoperative CFNB by 1 surgeon at one institution in an 18-month period beginning January 2004. Each of the 10 patients discharged home with an ambulatory CFNB (cases) was matched with a patient with a hospital-only CFNB (controls) for age, gender, body mass index, and health status. Financial data were extracted from the hospital microcosting database.Nine patients with ambulatory CFNB (cases) were discharged home on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 1 on POD 4. Of the controls, 3 were discharged home on POD 3, 6 on POD 4, and 1 on POD 5. The median (range) costs of hospitalization (excluding implant and professional fees) was US dollars 5,292 (US dollars 4,326-US dollars 7,929) for ambulatory cases compared with US dollars 7,974 (US dollars 6,931-US dollars 9,979) for inpatient controls (difference = US dollars 2,682, 34% decrease, P < .001). The total charges for hospitalization, the implant, and professional fees was US dollars 33,646 (US dollars 31,816-US dollars 38,468) for cases compared with US dollars 39,100 (US dollars 36,096-US dollars 44,098) for controls (difference = US dollars 5,454, 14% decrease, P < .001).This study provides evidence that ambulatory CFNB for selected patients undergoing TKA has the potential to reduce hospital length of stay and associated costs and charges. However, the current study has significant inherent limitations based on the study design. Additional research is required to replicate these results in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial and to determine whether any savings exceed additional CFNB costs such as from complications, having caregivers provide care at home, and additional hospital/health care provider visits.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.rapm.2006.10.010

View details for Web of Science ID 000243311100009

View details for PubMedID 17196492
Scheduling elective pediatric procedures that require anesthesia: The perspective of parents ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Mariano, E. R., Chu, L. F., Ramamoorthy, C., Macario, A. 2006; 103 (6): 1426-1431
Abstract

Daily variability in volume of elective pediatric procedures that require anesthesia may lead to an imbalance between available operating room resources and case load. Longer intervals between scheduling and the surgical date generally result in higher operating room utilization. In this study, we sought to determine which factors influence when parents schedule their children for procedures. We also aimed to identify parents' ideal and longest acceptable waiting intervals and determine whether type of procedure, for example, affects scheduling. From a convenience sample of 250 randomly selected parents of children presenting for elective surgery, 236 completed surveys were analyzed. The remaining 14 surveys were not returned. Overall, parents scheduled their child's procedure a median of 4.3 wk (interquartile range 2.0-8.6) in advance and reported an ideal waiting interval of 3 wk (interquartile range 2-4), and longest acceptable interval of 6 wk (interquartile range 4-10). Parents were willing to wait longer to schedule cardiac (4 wk, P = 0.004) and plastic (3.5 wk, P = 0.024) surgery when compared with general surgical procedures. Overall, parents ranked severity of the child's illness, earliest available time, and surgeon's suggested date as the three most important factors influencing when their child's surgery is scheduled. The timetable for scheduling procedures was highly correlated with both mother and father having available time off work (tau(b) = 0.72, P < 0.0001). Surprisingly, parents did not show a preference for scheduling cases during vacation or summer months.

View details for DOI 10.1213/01.ane.0000244596.03605.3e

View details for Web of Science ID 000242289100019

View details for PubMedID 17122217
Successful thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in a newborn with single ventricle physiology ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Mariano, E. R., Chu, L. F., Albanese, C. T., Ramamoorthy, C. 2005; 101 (4): 1000-1002
Abstract

A neonate with VACTERL association including tricuspid atresia was scheduled for thoracoscopic esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) repair and laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement. In addition to standard noninvasive monitoring, arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, and cerebral oxygen saturation were monitored. Gastric distension resulting from positive pressure ventilation prevented laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement. Thoracoscopy with a CO2 insufflation pressure of 6 mm Hg at low flow (1 L/min) was well tolerated hemodynamically despite hypercarbia and cerebral oxygen saturation was maintained. Careful monitoring and good communication were critical to the safe management of this single ventricle patient during thoracoscopic EA/TEF repair.Esophageal and tracheoesophageal fistula in conjunction with single ventricle physiology carries a significant risk of mortality. We present the anesthetic management of a neonate with unpalliated tricuspid atresia who underwent thoracoscopic tracheoesophageal fistula repair.

View details for DOI 10.1213/01.ANE.0000175778.96374.4F

View details for Web of Science ID 000232115400011

View details for PubMedID 16192508
A comparison of three methods for estimating appropriate tracheal tube depth in children PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA Mariano, E. R., Ramamoorthy, C., Chu, L. F., Chen, M., Hammer, G. B. 2005; 15 (10): 846-851
Abstract

Estimating appropriate tracheal tube (TT) depth following tracheal intubation in infants and children presents a challenge to anesthesia practitioners. We evaluated three methods commonly used by anesthesiologists to determine which one most reliably results in appropriate positioning.After IRB approval, 60 infants and children scheduled for fluoroscopic procedures requiring general anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) deliberate mainstem intubation with subsequent withdrawal of the TT 2 cm above the carina ('mainstem' method); (2) alignment of the double black line marker near the TT tip at the vocal cords ('marker' method); or (3) placement of the TT at a depth determined by the formula: TT depth (cm) = 3 x TT size (mmID) ('formula' method). TT tip position was determined to be 'appropriate' if located between the sternoclavicular junction (SCJ) and 0.5 cm above the carina as determined by fluoroscopy. Risk ratios were calculated, and data were analysed by the chi-square test accepting statistical significance at P < 0.05.The mainstem method was associated with the highest rate of appropriate TT placement (73%) compared with both the marker method (53%, P = 0.03, RR = 1.56) and the formula method (42%, P = 0.006, RR = 2.016). There was no difference between the marker and formula methods overall (P = 0.2, RR = 1.27). Analysis of age-stratified data demonstrated higher success with the marker method compared with the formula method for patients 3-12 months (P = 0.0056, RR = 4.0).Deliberate mainstem intubation most reliably results in appropriate TT depth in infants and children.

View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2005.01577.x

View details for Web of Science ID 000232471900005

View details for PubMedID 16176312
Anesthetic management of infants with palliated hypoplastic left heart syndrome undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Mariano, E. R., Boltz, M. G., Albanese, C. T., Abrajano, C. T., Ramamoorthy, C. 2005; 100 (6): 1631-1633
Abstract

The safety of laparoscopic surgery in infants with single ventricle physiology has been a subject of controversy despite potential benefits over open surgery. We present the anesthetic management of five infants with palliated hypoplastic left heart syndrome that underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. After anesthetic induction and tracheal intubation, an intraarterial catheter was placed for hemodynamic monitoring. Insufflation pressure was limited to 12 mm Hg and was well tolerated by all patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. In patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication can be safely performed with careful patient selection and close intraoperative monitoring.

View details for DOI 10.1213/01.ANE.0000149899.03904.3F

View details for Web of Science ID 000229305600013

View details for PubMedID 15920186
Anesthetic concerns for robot-assisted laparoscopy in an infant ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Mariano, E. R., Furukawa, L., Woo, R. K., Albanese, C. T., Brock-Utne, J. G. 2004; 99 (6): 1665-1667
Abstract

A 2-mo-old infant with biliary atresia was scheduled for laparoscopic Kasai with robot assistance. Before surgery, a practice trial maneuvering the cumbersome robotic equipment was performed to ensure rapid access to the patient in case of emergency. IV access, tracheal intubation, and arterial line placement followed inhaled anesthesia induction with sevoflurane. Robotic setup took 53 min and severely limited patient access. No adverse events occurred during the procedure requiring the removal of the robotic equipment, and the patient was discharged after a stable postoperative recovery. Advance preparation is required to maximize patient safety during robotic surgery.

View details for DOI 10.1213/01.ANE.0000137394.99683.66

View details for Web of Science ID 000225341600016

View details for PubMedID 15562050

Conference Proceedings

Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Catheters and Ambulatory Perineural Infusions for Outpatient Inguinal Hernia Repair Heil, J. W., Ilfeld, B. M., Loland, V. J., Sandhu, N. S., Mariano, E. R. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2010: 556-558
Abstract

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks anesthetize the lower abdominal wall, and TAP catheters have been used to provide prolonged postoperative analgesia after laparotomy. The use of TAP catheters on an outpatient basis has not yet been described. We present our experience with ultrasound-guided TAP perineural catheter insertion and subsequent management of ambulatory TAP local anesthetic infusions after inguinal hernia repair.Three patients scheduled for unilateral open inguinal hernia repair underwent preoperative posterior TAP catheter placement for postoperative pain management using a technique employing ultrasound guidance alone. A bolus of local anesthetic solution was injected via the catheter in divided doses, and block onset was confirmed before surgery. Postoperatively, a continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% was delivered using a portable infusion pump, and patients were discharged with a prescription for oral analgesics for breakthrough pain and perineural infusion instructions. Patients were followed up daily by telephone.All patients underwent successful TAP catheter insertion and maintained their catheters until postoperative day 2. All patients reported minimal pain for the duration of infusion without the need for any supplemental opioid analgesics, high satisfaction with postoperative analgesia, and no infusion-related complications.An ultrasound-guided TAP catheter and ambulatory local anesthetic perineural infusion are a promising option for prolonged postoperative analgesia after outpatient inguinal hernia repair. A posterior insertion permits preoperative placement by keeping the catheter away from the planned surgical field.

View details for DOI 10.1097/AAP.0b013e3181fa69e9

View details for Web of Science ID 000284301300016

View details for PubMedID 20975474

Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System

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