Improving Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists' Adherence to a Standardized Intraoperative Lung Protective Ventilation Protocol.

PURPOSE: The use of lung protective ventilation (LPV) during general anesthesia is an effective strategy among certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to reduce and prevent the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. The purpose of this project was to implement a LPV protocol, assess CRNA provider adherence, and investigate differences in ventilation parameters and postoperative oxygen requirements. DESIGN: This quality improvement project was conducted using a pre- and postimplementation design. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing robotic laparoscopic abdominal surgery and 35 CRNAs at a community hospital participated. An evidence-based intraoperative LPV protocol was developed, CRNA education was provided, and the protocol was implemented. Pre- and postimplementation, CRNA knowledge, and confidence were assessed. Ventilation data were collected at 1-minute intervals intraoperatively and oxygen requirements were recorded in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). FINDINGS: Use of intraoperative LPV strategies increased 2.4%. Overall CRNA knowledge (P = .588), confidence (P = .031), and practice (P < .001) improved from pre- to postimplementation. Driving pressures decreased from pre- to postimplementation (P < .001). Supplemental oxygen use on admission to the PACU decreased from 93.3% to 70.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Educational interventions and implementation of a standardized protocol can improve the use of intraoperative LPV strategies and patient outcomes.

Localization of the brachial plexus: Sonography versus anatomic landmarks.

PURPOSE: Interscalene brachial plexus blocks are performed for perioperative management of surgeries involving the shoulder. Historically, these procedures employed anatomic landmarks (AL) to determine the location of the brachial plexus as it passes between the anterior and middle scalene muscles in the neck. In this study, we compared the actual location of the brachial plexus as found with sonography (US) to the anticipated location using AL. METHODS: The location of the brachial plexus was evaluated using US and AL in 96 subjects. The distance between the two locations was measured. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the significance of the difference and a 2 × 2 analysis of variance was used to compare differences in gender, height, and body mass index. RESULTS: The brachial plexus was located on average 1.8 cm inferior (p = 0.0001) and 0.2 cm lateral (p = 0.09) to the location determined with AL. A significant difference was also associated with gender (p = 0.03), but not with height or body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: US is a reliable method that accurately pinpoints the roots of the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is often located inferior to the location anticipated using AL. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:411-415, 2016.

Intrathecal Spread of Injectate Following an Ultrasound-Guided Selective C5 Nerve Root Injection in a Human Cadaver Model.

Ultrasound-guided selective C5 nerve root blocks have been described in several case reports as a safe and effective means to anesthetize the distal clavicle while maintaining innervation of the upper extremity and preserving diaphragmatic function. In this study, cadavers were injected with 5 mL of 0.5% methylene blue dye under ultrasound guidance to investigate possible proximal and distal spread of injectate along the brachial plexus, if any. Following the injections, the specimens were dissected and examined to determine the distribution of dye and the structures affected. One injection revealed dye extended proximally into the epidural space, which penetrated the dura mater and was present on the spinal cord and brainstem. Dye was noted distally to the divisions in 3 injections. The anterior scalene muscle and phrenic nerve were stained in all 4 injections. It appears unlikely that local anesthetic spread is limited to the nerve root following an ultrasound-guided selective C5 nerve root injection. Under certain conditions, intrathecal spread also appears possible, which has major patient safety implications. Additional safety measures, such as injection pressure monitoring, should be incorporated into this block, or approaches that are more distal should be considered for the acute pain management of distal clavicle fractures.

Ultrasound-Guided Ankle Blocks: A Review of Current Practices.

Ankle blocks are routinely indicated for surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia of procedures involving the foot. Traditionally, ankle blocks have been performed by relying on landmark identification of nerves. The literature regarding the performance and efficacy of ankle blocks is inconsistent. This can be attributed to several variables, such as provider technique, differences in patient populations, and the type and volume of local anesthetics administered. As with other peripheral nerve blocks originally performed using landmark technique, ultrasound imaging is now being incorporated into these procedures. Ultrasound guidance provides the anesthetist with several advantages over landmark techniques. The ability to identify peripheral nerves, view needle movements in real-time, and observe the spread of local anesthetic has been shown to result in greater block efficacy, even with reduced volumes of local anesthetic. Additionally, ultrasound imaging gives the provider the option to perform regional anesthesia in specific patient populations not considered possible when using landmark technique. Despite the limited literature on ultrasound-guided ankle blocks, outcome metrics seem to be consistent with those of other peripheral nerve blocks performed using this technology.

Ultrasound-guided interscalene-supraclavicular block for an intramedullary nailing of a pathologic humeral fracture: practical application of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

Fractures of the proximal upper extremity present a challenge to the anesthesia provider when administering a regional anesthetic because the dermatomal distribution of the upper extremity requires more local anesthetic coverage than any single brachial plexus nerve block can provide. A 60-year-old woman underwent intramedullary nailing of a pathologic humeral fracture using a combination of regional and general anesthesia. This case study shows how ultrasound guidance permitted the performance of both an interscalene and supraclavicular nerve block for a single procedure without the increased volume of local anesthetic that would normally be required, while still providing complete coverage of the entire upper extremity.

Navigating the layers of concern for safe dry needling of the rectus abdominis: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess needle placement accuracy in the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle during dry needling (DN) without entering the peritoneum. METHODS: Two physical therapists performed DN on a cadaver, making 10 attempts each to needle the RA without entering the peritoneum. Techniques followed two common DN approaches. Ultrasound verified needle depth and safety. RESULTS: Seventy percent of attempts were recorded as safe needle placement, while 30% were unsafe. Accurate RA needle placement without peritoneal entry occurred in 55% of attempts. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Inadvertent peritoneal needle placement during RA DN poses risks regardless of experience. Ultrasound guidance may enhance safety and precision in clinical practice.

The Development and Validation of an Objective Assessment Tool for Performing Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks.

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a regional anesthesia technique used as part of a multimodal pain management plan in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. There are numerous approaches and techniques described in the literature, resulting in a lack of consistency in block performance. This potentially reduces efficacy while increasing risk to the patient. Competency assessment tools have been shown to lower patient risk and improve outcomes by improving provider skill. Checklists are used as formative and summative assessment tools throughout healthcare education, however, there is no validated tool for ultrasound-guided TAP blocks. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to develop a checklist using a modified Delphi method. The primary outcome measure was validation of the assessment tool, established by an expert panel consensus and guided by Messick's validity framework. A 43-item checklist was validated by six certified registered nurse anesthesiologists throughout the United States with expertise in regional anesthesia. Three rounds of feedback were required to exceed the threshold of consensus (0.8), establishing a method of evaluation that may allow future research in educational settings through improved skill assessment among providers performing TAP blocks.

Inferior-Medial Dry Needling at the Thoracolumbar Junction: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Dry needling (DN) has emerged as a popular therapeutic intervention for managing musculoskeletal pain. While major adverse events are generally rare, those that have been reported in vulnerable areas such as the spine and thorax can be serious and warrant further investigation regarding safe techniques in and around these areas. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to reproduce the methods employed by Williams et al. but with an inferior-medial multifidus DN technique to determine if a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum (LF) and breach the spinal canal at the thoracolumbar junction. Study Design: Descriptive Cadaveric study. Methods: The procedure was performed on a cadaver in the prone position. The needle was advanced under ultrasound guidance to determine if a 0.30 x 40 mm dry needle inserted lateral to the spinous process of T12 and directed inferior-medially could penetrate the LF and enter the spinal canal. Results: A 0.30 x 40 mm dry needle inserted 1.9 cm lateral to the spinous process of T12 was able to traverse the space between the vertebral laminae of T12 and L1, penetrate the LF, and enter the spinal canal with an inferior-medial needle angulation of 33-degrees medial and 18-degrees inferior. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of a dry needle entering the spinal canal at the thoracolumbar junction using an inferior-medial technique. These findings support the potential role of ultrasound guidance in the training and clinical practice of DN, especially in regions where safety issues have been documented. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Safety Considerations When Dry Needling the Multifidi in the Thoracolumbar Region: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Dry needling the lumbar multifidi is a technique used by physical therapists to effectively treat low back pain. While studies have examined the safety considerations in the upper lumbar spine related to the kidneys and lungs, none have investigated the possibility of entering the spinal canal in this region. Purpose: The purpose of this cadaveric ultrasound-guided dry needling exploration was to determine if a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum at the T12/L1 interspace and enter the spinal canal using a paramedian approach in a fresh-frozen, lightly fixed cadaver in the prone position. Study Design: Cadaveric study. Methods: The procedure was performed on a cadaver in the prone position. The needle was advanced under ultrasound guidance to determine if a 0.30 x 50 mm dry needle inserted 1.0 cm lateral to the spinous process of T12 and directed medially at a 22-degree angle could penetrate the ligamentum flavum and enter the spinal canal. Results: As determined via ultrasound, a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum and enter the spinal canal at the thoracolumbar junction using this technique. Conclusion: This interprofessional collaboration demonstrates that a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum to enter the spinal canal at T12/L1 using a documented technique for dry needling the multifidus. A thorough understanding of human anatomy along with the incorporation of available technology, such as ultrasound, may decrease the risk of adverse events when dry needling the multifidi at the thoracolumbar junction. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Improving Anesthesia Providers' Needle Cricothyrotomy Success With Ultrasound-Guidance: A Cadave Quality Improvement Project.

Difficult and failed airway management remains a significant cause of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Failed airway management guidelines include performing a cricothyrotomy as a final step. Correct identification of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM) is essential for safe and accurate cricothyrotomy execution. Ten certified registered nurse anesthetists were assessed for ultrasound-guided (USG) needle cricothyrotomy competency following an online and hands-on education session using a human cadaver and then assessed 60 days later, without additional education or preparation. Both knowledge and confidence improved significantly when assessed immediately after education (P < .05) and were maintained when assessed 60 days later. Overall skill performance declined slightly from post-training although the decline was not statistically significant (P = .373). Overall needle placement time and distance from the CTM improved, despite improper transducer and image orientation by most participants. A one-hour hybrid educational program can significantly improve ultrasound and cricothyrotomy knowledge and confidence for 60 days. Transducer orientation may not be a significant contributor to performing proper USG needle cricothyrotomy.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists' Adherence to an Intraoperative Lung Protective Ventilation Protocol.

The clinical application of intraoperative mechanical ventilation is highly variable and often determined by providers' attitudes and preferences, rather than evidence. Ventilation strategies using high tidal volumes (VT) with little to no positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) are associated with lung injury, increasing the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Literature demonstrates that applying lung protective ventilation (LPV) strategies intraoperatively, including low VT, individualized PEEP, and alveolar recruitment maneuvers, can reduce the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. This multicenter quality improvement project aimed to develop and implement an LPV protocol to increase nurse anesthetists' knowledge and adherence to LPV strategies in adults undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The anesthesia providers were educated about LPV strategies and their intraoperative application to individualize ventilation settings based on patient comorbidities and body habitus. Adherence was determined by collecting ventilator data and evaluating the data using logistic regression. The overall protocol adherence significantly increased (P=.01). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in adherence to each individual component of the protocol (all P<.05) except for VT. Decreasing the oxygen concentration administered during maintenance and emergence was the most commonly adopted practice (P<.0001). This project demonstrates that education and a standardized protocol can increase the use of intraoperative LPV strategies.

Ultrasound in anesthesia: applying scientific principles to clinical practice.

The use of ultrasound as an adjunct to invasive anesthesia procedures is becoming commonplace. The U.S. Agency for Health Care Quality and the United Kingdom National Institute for Clinical Excellence have identified the role of ultrasound in improving patient safety. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of ultrasound, yet there have also been articles inferring it may not offer additional benefits to traditional landmark techniques. The major disadvantage often cited is that success is user-dependent, and using ultrasound is a unique skill that requires training and experience to become proficient. Modern ultrasound systems incorporate 2 sound technologies to provide users with specific information about what is being viewed. Brightness mode imaging and pulsed-wave Doppler can be combined to reduce potential complications associated with central venous access and regional anesthesia. Human tissue is also an important factor in ultrasound imaging. The different densities of soft tissues, bone, fluid, and air all interact with sound, creating distinctive images that can aid and potentially hinder accuracy. Comprehension of basic ultrasound principles and how it is affected by tissue will enable anesthetists to better understand what is being seen and reduce the potential for errors.

To Block or Not to Block: Role of Ultrasonography in Guiding an Anesthetic Plan for a Patient With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

A 31-year-old man scheduled for a fifth metatarsal head resection secondary to osteomyelitis presented to the preoperative holding area for placement of an ultrasound-guided popliteal nerve block as part of a multimodal pain management plan. During the preoperative evaluation, a medical history of CharcotMarie-Tooth disease was noted. The patient had decreased range of motion and neuropathy in both lower extremities and required an assistive device when ambulating. Before placement of the block, a pre-procedure scan of the popliteal fossa revealed abnormal sonoanatomy of the distal sciatic nerve as well as the proximal tibial and common peroneal nerve branches. The surgeon was consulted regarding the ultrasonography findings, and the proposed block was abandoned. A field block proximal to the surgical site was performed under monitored anesthesia care, with an understanding that the case would convert to general anesthesia using a laryngeal mask airway if the procedure was not tolerated. The surgery was performed as planned without any difficulties, and the patient was transferred to the postanesthesia care unit. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home.