RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Long-term Brachial Plexus Anesthesia Using a Subcutaneous Implantable Injection System: Case Report
JF Regional Anesthesia: The Journal of Neural Blockade in Obstetrics, Surgery, & Pain Control
JO Reg Anesth Pain Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 242
OP 245
DO 10.1136/rapm-00115550-199520030-00012
VO 20
IS 3
A1 J. L. Aguilar
A1 V. Domingo
A1 D. Samper
A1 G. Roca
A1 F. Vidal
YR 1995
UL http://rapm.bmj.com/content/20/3/242.abstract
AB Background and Objectives. Continuous brachial plexus anesthesia with local anesthesia has been used since 1946 for prolonged surgical procedures, in postoperative pain relief, and in sympathetic nerve block. The benefit or effectiveness of this technique in the relief of sympathetically maintained pain has yet to be established.Methods. The following case report describes the placement of an axillary catheter connected to a port for the self-administration of local anesthesia to provide brachial plexus anesthesia in a 43-year-old woman suffering from sympathetically maintained pain.Results. The administration of local anesthesia through this injection system resulted in complete pain relief without motor impairment of the arm. The device functioned for 118 days, making physical therapy easier. An infection occurred at the entry site, requiring the removal of the port.Conclusions. Controlled studies need to be done to establish the safety and efficacy of this form of therapy.