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Background and objectivesThe costoclavicular brachial plexus block is performed deep and posterior to the midpoint of the clavicle. There are limited data evaluating the spread of the costoclavicular brachial plexus block. We performed a cadaveric study to evaluate the spread of injectate after a costoclavicular brachial plexus block.MethodsFive ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block injections were performed with 20 mL of 0.1% methylene blue. The brachial plexus and its branches were dissected from the level of C4 to the lower axilla. The extent of dye spread was recorded including spread to the phrenic nerve, suprascapular nerve, roots, trunks, divisions, cords and terminal branches of the brachial plexus.ResultsThe dye extended cephalad to the level of the cricoid cartilage in two of the five injections; three injections had dye extending 0.75 cm, 1.5 cm and 2 cm caudad to the level of the cricoid cartilage, respectively. The C7, C8 and T1 nerve roots were stained in all injections. The dye did not extend cephalad to the C5 and C6 nerve roots. All trunks, cords and divisions of the brachial plexus were stained, as was the suprascapular nerve. There was no spread of dye to the phrenic nerve in any of the specimens.ConclusionsThis cadaveric study demonstrates that ultrasound-guided injection in the costoclavicular space spreads cephalad to the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular space, consistently reaching the suprascapular nerve and all trunks and cords of the brachial plexus, while sparing the phrenic nerve.

Background and objectivesThe erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a relatively new interfascial block technique. Previous cadaveric studies have shown extensive cephalocaudal spread with a single ESP injection at the thoracic level. However, little data exist for lumbar ESP block. The objective of this study was to examine the anatomical spread of dye following an ultrasound-guided lumbar ESP block in a human cadaveric model.MethodsAn ultrasound-guided ESP block was performed in unembalmed human cadavers using an in-plane approach with a curvilinear transducer oriented longitudinally. 20 mL of 0.166% methylene blue was injected into the plane between the distal end of the L4 transverse process and erector spinae muscle bilaterally in four specimens and unilaterally in one specimen (nine ESP blocks in total). The superficial and deep back muscles were dissected, and the extent of dye spread was documented in both cephalocaudal and medial–lateral directions.ResultsThere was cephalocaudal spread from L3 to L5 in all specimens with extension to L2 in four specimens. Medial–lateral spread was documented from the multifidus muscle to the lateral edge of the thoracolumbar fascia. There was extensive dye in and around the erector spinae musculature and spread to the dorsal rami in all specimens. There was no dye spread anteriorly into the dorsal root ganglion, ventral rami, or paravertebral space.ConclusionsA lumbar ESP injection has limited craniocaudal spread compared with injection in the thoracic region. It has consistent spread to dorsal rami, but no anterior spread to ventral rami or paravertebral space.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) principles have been beneficial in major abdominal surgery. ERAS® was instituted in our breast surgery practice in 2017. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of outpatient mastectomies before and after ERAS®. A retrospective review of all mastectomies between 1/2013 and 6/2018 was performed. Patients receiving autologous flap reconstruction were excluded. The institution-specific ERAS® pathway began on February 1, 2017. Patient characteristics, operative intervention, and postoperative outcomes were compared between pre-ERAS® and post-ERAS® groups and between outpatient and inpatient subgroups. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum and Chi-square analyses. A total of 487 patients were analyzed. Three hundred and forty-seven (71%) were prior to ERAS® and 140 after (29%). The two groups were not significantly different in background characteristics. Same-day discharge occurred in 58.6% of post-ERAS® patients versus 7.2% of pre-ERAS® patients (p

As a bridge to heart transplantation or destination treatment, implantation of the Heartmate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device is a viable option for patients with end-stage congestive heart failure. The recent Momentum 3 trial has shown favorable outcomes compared with Heartmate 2. We report the first case of aortic root thrombus occurring early after HM3 implantation as a bridge to heart transplantation. Our case suggests that bridging with an Impella 5.0 preceding HM3 implantation could potentially predispose patients to aortic root thrombus after HM3 implantation, due to Impella-related injury to the aortic valve and aortic root stasis after durable LVAD support.

The aim of this chapter is to challenge and encourage anesthesiologists and surgeons to consider adding existing or newer regional anesthesia techniques to their repertoire to minimize postoperative pain following abdominal operations. Use of regional anesthesia techniques is an important and increasingly widely used component of multimodal analgesia. Effective blocks result in reduced use of systemic oral and intravenous analgesics, especially opioids, and allow earlier return to normal function.

The use of ultrasound has revolutionized care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The use of critical care echocardiography, including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), has become commonplace in ICUs worldwide. In North America, however, intensivists rarely perform transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) unless they have anesthesiology training or have received specialized training to be competent in TEE. In many centers, neurology critical care is provided within the general ICU, and many tertiary-care centers have a dedicated ICU for specialized cases that require advanced and intensive neurologic care.

Background: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is now performed in adults. Managing adult patients’ pain postoperatively has been challenging due to increased chest wall rigidity and the pressure required for supporting the elevated sternum. The optimal pain management regimen has not been determined. We designed this prospective, randomized trial to compare postoperative pain management and outcomes between thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and bilateral subcutaneous infusion pump catheters (On-Q). Methods: Patients undergoing MIRPE (modified Nuss) underwent random assignment to TEA or On-Q group. Both groups received intravenous, patient-controlled opioid analgesia, with concomitant delivery of local anesthetic. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS), opioid use, and pain scores. Results: Of 85 randomly assigned patients, 68 completed the study [52 men, 76.5%; mean (range) age, 32.2 (20.0–58.0) years; Haller index, 5.9 (range, 3.0-26.7)]. The groups were equally matched for preoperative variables; however, the On-Q arm had more patients (60.3%). No significant differences were found between groups in mean daily pain scores (P=0.52), morphine-equivalent opioid usage (P=0.28), or hospital stay 3.5 vs . 3.3 days (TEA vs . On-Q; P=0.55). Thirteen patients randomized to TEA refused the epidural and withdrew from the study because they perceived greater benefit of the On-Q system. Conclusions: Postoperative pain management in adults after MIRPE can be difficult. Both continuous local anesthetic delivery by TEA and On-Q catheters with concomitant, intravenous, patient-controlled anesthesia maintained acceptable analgesia with a reasonable LOS. In our cohort, there was preference for the On-Q system for pain management.

Valve surgery is very different from coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Over the natural history of valvular heart disease (VHD), the physiologic characteristics change markedly and, in the operating room, physiologic and hemodynamic conditions are quite variable and are readily influenced by anesthetic interventions. For some types of valve lesions it can be relatively difficult to predict preoperatively how the heart will respond to the altered loading conditions associated with valve repair or replacement. It is essential to understand the natural history of each of the major adult-acquired valve defects and how the pathophysiologic conditions evolve. Surgical decision making regarding valve repair or replacement must also be understood, because a valve operated on at the appropriate stage of its natural history will have a good and more predictable outcome than one operated on at a late stage, when the perioperative result can be quite poor. Because pathophysiologic conditions are dynamic and differ significantly among valve lesions, understanding the physiology and natural

Pectus excavatum is a chest wall deformity that produces significant cardiopulmonary disability and is typically seen in younger patients. Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum or Nuss procedure has become a widely accepted technique for adult and pediatric patients. Although it is carried out through a thoracoscopic approach, the procedure is associated with a number of potential intraoperative and post-operative complications. We present a case of cardiac perforation requiring emergent cardiopulmonary bypass in a 29-year-old male with Marfan syndrome and previous mitral valve repair undergoing a Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. This case illustrates the importance of vigilance and preparation by the surgeons, anesthesia providers as well as the institution to be prepared with resources to handle the possible complications. This includes available cardiac surgical backup, perfusionist support and adequate blood product availability.

Pectus excavatum (PE) can recur after both open and minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) techniques. The cause of recurrence may differ based on the initial repair procedure performed. Recurrence risks for the open repair are due to factors which include incomplete previous repair, repair at too young of age, excessive dissection, early removal or lack of support structures, and incomplete healing of the chest wall. For patients presenting after failed or recurrent primary MIRPE repair, issues with support bars including placement, number, migration, and premature removal can all be associated with failure. Connective tissue disorders can complicate and increase recurrence risk in both types of PE repairs. Identifying the factors that contributed to the previous procedure's failure is critical for prevention of another recurrence. A combination of surgical techniques may be necessary to successfully repair some patients.

Mitral valve disease is common in the United States and around the world, and if left untreated, increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Mitral valve repair is technically more demanding than mitral valve replacement. Mitral valve repair should be considered the first line of treatment for mitral regurgitation in younger patients, mitral valve prolapse, annular dilatation, and with structural damage to the valve. Several minimally invasive percutaneous treatment options for mitral valve repair are available that are not restricted to conventional surgical approaches, and may be better received by patients. A useful classification system of these approaches proposed by Chiam and Ruiz is based on anatomic targets and device action upon the leaflets, annulus, chordae, and left ventricle. Future directions of minimally invasive techniques will include improving the safety profile through patient selection and risk stratification, improvement of current imaging and techniques, and multidisciplinary education.