A novel approach for brachial plexus block

WOS: 000272499100001Aim: The line from the midpoint of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the midpoint of the clavicle was considered the surface projection of the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular region in a previous report using radiological and anatomic techniques. The needle insertion site was the point between the clavicular one-third and cervical two-thirds of this line. The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical efficacy of these suggested landmarks. Materials and methods: Brachial plexus block was performed in 60 healthy adult patients undergoing elective Surgery on an upper extremity using the above-mentioned new surface landmarks. Results: The characteristics of the block resemble those in the interscalene technique. Brachial plexus block was performed with a high success rate (98.5%) and minor complications including phrenic nerve palsy (45%), Horner syndrome (15%), and recurrent nerve block (1.6%). No major complication such as pneumothorax or accidental intravascular insertion was observed. Conclusion: The new landmarks were not dependent on patients' physical features or deeper anatomic structures. The surface landmarks based on bony prominences were defined easily. Brachial plexus block was performed with a high success rate and is considered a safe alternative to the classically described techniques

The effects of perioperative low-moderate doses of dexmedetomidine infusion on hemodynamic and neuroendocrine parameters

WOS: 000254179000011Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of low and moderate doses of dexmedetomidine infusions by evaluating hemodynamic and neuroendocrine responses in patients undergoing elective transurethral surgery. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients were randomly allocated to receive 0.45 (Group 1) or 0.6 (Group 2) mu g kg(-1) hr(-1) dexmedetomidine infusion 10 minutes before induction of anesthesia. Heart rate, blood pressures, ETCO2 and peripheral oxygen saturation values and parameters of non-invasive cardiac output were monitored. Measurement times were baseline (I), after dexmedetomidine infusion (II), after thiopental induction (III), after intubation (IV) and at 10-minute intervals during desflurane anesthesia. Anesthesia (2L min(-1) 50% N2O+O-2) was maintained with 4-6% desflurane corresponding to a bispectral index (BIS) value of 40-60. Venous blood samples were collected prior to intubation (I), at the 30(th) min intraoperatively (II) and after extubation (III) to determine plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline levels. Chi-square, Student's t-test and repeated measures of variance were used for statistical analysis. Results: Two different doses of dexmedetomidine infusion produced similar hemodynamic effects. The cardiovascular and neuroendocrine parameters were suppressed more in Group 2 than in Group 1. Conclusions: These findings suggest that intraoperative 0.45 and 0.6 mu g kg(-1) hr(-1) doses of dexmedetomidine result in similar intubation, recovery and hemodynamic responses. Cardiovascular and neuroendocrine parameters were suppressed more by the moderate dose of dexmedetomidine

The effects of preanesthetic, single-dose dexmedetomidine on induction, hemodynamic, and cardiovascular parameters

WOS: 000260134200006PubMed: 18929283Study Objectives: To investigate the hemodynamic, cardiovascular, and recovery effects of dexmedetomidine used as a single preanesthetic dose. Design: Randomized, prospective, double-blind study. Setting: University Hospital of Kirikkale, Kirikkale, Turkey. Patients: 40 ASA physical status I and II patients, aged 20 to 60 years, who were scheduled for elective cholecystectomy. Interventions: Patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive 0.5 mu g kg(-1) dexmedetomidine (group D, n = 20) or saline solution (group C, n = 20). Anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium and vecuronium, and anesthesia was maintained with 4% to 6% desflurane. Measurements: Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), (ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic index (EDI), cardiac index (CI), and stroke volume index (SVI) were recorded at 10-minute intervals. The times for patients to "open eyes on verbal command" and postoperative Aldrete recovery scores were also recorded. Main Results: In group C, an increase in HR and MAP occurred after endotracheal intubation. In group D, HR significantly decreased after dexmedetomidine was given. The EDI, Cl, SVI, and EF values were similar in groups D and C. The modified Aldrete recovery scores of patients in the recovery room were similar in groups C and D at the 15th minute. Conclusions: A single dose of dexmedetomidine given before induction of anesthesia decreased thiopental requirements without serious hemodynamic effects or any effect on recovery time. Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved