Ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical plexus block for carotid endarterectomy using a new anterior approach: a two-centre prospective observational study.

The aim of this prospective, double-centre, observational study performed in 116 patients was to describe a new anterior approach of ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical plexus block for carotid endarterectomy. The median (IQR [range]) volume of ropivacaine 0.5% administered was 30 (25-30 [20-45]) ml. Supplemental local anaesthesia (infiltration and topical) was needed in 66 (57%) patients. Overall, 41 (35%) patients needed additional sedation (18 midazolam; 23 remifentanil). There was no intra-operative complication or systemic toxicity of ropivacaine. One regional anaesthesia procedure was converted to general anaesthesia because of patient agitation. Adverse effects were of short duration and did not affect surgery. Satisfaction scores were high for 92 (79%) patients (63 satisfied; 29 very satisfied) and 104 (90%) surgeons (51 satisfied; 53 very satisfied). This study shows that the ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical plexus block using an anterior approach is feasible and provides similar results to other regional techniques during carotid endarterectomy.

[Comparison of ICG thoracic bioimpedance cardiac output monitoring system in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with pulmonary artery cardiac output measurements]. / Comparaison des valeurs de débit cardiaque obtenues à l'aide d'un nouveau système d'impédancemétrie thoracique avec les données du cathéter artériel pulmonaire en postopératoire de chirurgie cardiaque.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic bioimpedance has been proposed for cardiac output (CO) determination and monitoring without calibration or thermodilution (ICG Monitor 862146, Philips Medical System, Philips, Suresnes, France). The accuracy and clinical applicability of this technology has not been fully evaluated in the cardiac surgery setting. We designed this prospective study to compare the accuracy of the ICG Monitor (CO(ICG)) versus pulmonary artery catheter standard bolus thermodilution (CO(PAC)) in patients after cardiac surgery or having benefited from cardiac surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, monocentric. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 13 patients in the postoperative period. CO(ICG) and CO(PAC) were determined at the arrival in the intensive care unit and every four hours. Bland-Altman and Critchley and Critchley's analysis were used to assess the agreement between CO(ICG) and CO(PAC). RESULTS: CO(PAC) ranged from 2.6 to 11.0 l/min and CO(ICG) ranged from 1.8 to 11.7 l/min. There was a significant relationship between CO(PAC) and CO(ICG) (r=0.61 ; p<0.001). Agreement between CO(PAC) and CO(ICG) was -0.5+/-1.3 l/min (Bland-Altman analysis). Percentage error between the two methods was 49% (Critchley and Critchley's analysis). CONCLUSION: We found clinically unacceptable agreement between CO(ICG) and CO(PAC) in this setting. Despite its non invasiveness, this device cannot be recommended for CO monitoring in the postoperative period following cardiac surgery.

Pleth variability index to monitor the respiratory variations in the pulse oximeter plethysmographic waveform amplitude and predict fluid responsiveness in the operating theatre.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory variations in pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude (DeltaPOP) can predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients but cannot be easily assessed at the bedside. Pleth variability index (PVI) is a new algorithm allowing for automated and continuous monitoring of DeltaPOP. We hypothesized that PVI can predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients under general anaesthesia. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were studied after induction of general anaesthesia. Haemodynamic data [cardiac index (CI), respiratory variations in arterial pulse pressure (DeltaPP), DeltaPOP, and PVI] were recorded before and after volume expansion (500 ml of hetastarch 6%). Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in CI > or =15%. RESULTS: Volume expansion induced changes in CI [2.0 (sd 0.9) to 2.5 (1.2) litre min(-1) m(-2); P<0.01], DeltaPOP [15 (7)% to 8 (3)%; P<0.01], and PVI [14 (7)% to 9 (3)%; P<0.01]. DeltaPOP and PVI were higher in responders than in non-responders [19 (9)% vs 9 (4)% and 18 (6)% vs 8 (4)%, respectively; P<0.01 for both]. A PVI >14% before volume expansion discriminated between responders and non-responders with 81% sensitivity and 100% specificity. There was a significant relationship between PVI before volume expansion and change in CI after volume expansion (r=0.67; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PVI, an automatic and continuous monitor of DeltaPOP, can predict fluid responsiveness non-invasively in mechanically ventilated patients during general anaesthesia. This index has potential clinical applications.