[Peripheral truncal blocks-Overview and assessment]. / Periphere Rumpfwandblockaden ­ Übersicht und Bewertung.

By implementation of sonography for regional anesthesia, truncal blocks became more relevant in the daily practice of anesthesia and pain therapy. Due to visualized needle guidance ultrasound supports more safety and helps to avoid complications during needle placement. Additionally, complex punctures are possible that were associated with higher risk using landmarks alone. Next to the blocking of specific nerve structures, interfascial and compartment blocks have also become established, whereby the visualization of individual nerves and plexus structures is not of relevance. The present review article describes published and clinically established puncture techniques with respect to the indications and procedures. The clinical value is reported according to the scientific evidence and the analgesic profile. Moreover, the authors explain potential risks, complications and dosing of local anesthetic agents.

[Risks and dangers in pediatric regional anesthesia]. / Fehler und Gefahren in der Regionalanästhesie bei Kindern.

In recent years peripheral and central regional anesthesia have become increasingly more important in pediatric anesthesia. Unlike adult patients, children typically receive regional anesthesia while under general anesthesia, an approach generally accepted among pediatric anesthesiologists. A well-founded knowledge of the specific anatomical, physiological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of pediatric patients is indispensable for safely practicing pediatric regional anesthesia. If attention is paid to these characteristics, complications are rare. The use of ultrasound when administering regional anesthesia can help reduce the risk of complications even further. Peripheral and central regional anesthesia are safe procedures which pediatric patients should not be deprived of. The present article discusses frequent as well as rare complications of pediatric regional anesthesia.

Diagnostic and surgical approach of innominate artery saddle embolus.

Patients with an acute arterial occlusion of the right upper extremity and absent axillary pulse should have a Doppler scan examination before a balloon catheter embolectomy is performed. If there is no arterial pulse detectable, an angiography should be performed afterwards to localize the embolus. In the case of a proximal arterial occlusion of the right arm, the authors recommend this procedure to prevent an embolus dislocation by catheter embolectomy and subsequent cerebral embolization. For direct surgical embolectomy the authors recommend a supraclavicular incision.

Endoscopic vs. conventional vein harvesting: first results with a new, non-disposable system.

BACKGROUND: Most of the grafts used in coronary bypass surgery are still venous grafts. The preferred vein for bypass surgery is the long saphenous vein. Severe wound complications caused by saphenous vein harvesting occur in 1 % to 3 % of cases. Minor complications that do not need surgical revision occur in up to 43 % of cases. We developed an endoscopic harvesting technique using non-disposable instruments to reduce wound complications caused by vein harvesting. METHOD: In a retrospective study, the occurrence of wound complications, haematoma, postoperative pain, ambulation, sensory disturbances and patient satisfaction were studied (n = 182). Patients who had either endoscopically harvested (n = 91) or conventionally harvested (n = 91) saphenous vein grafts were reviewed. RESULTS: Results were collected for 173 patients. The overall prevalence of wound complications was 18.7 %. The incidence of wound healing complications could be reduced significantly (p = 0.015) from 15.3 % to 3.4 % using the endoscopic technique. In the endoscopic group, postoperative ambulation was significantly (p = 0.002) easier, patient satisfaction was significantly (p = 0.007) higher, and postoperative leg swelling (p = 0.003) and haematoma (p = 0.004) could be reduced significantly. The occurrence of postoperative pain and sensory disturbances did not differ significantly. COMMENT: We conclude that the used endoscopic vein harvesting is a safe and cost effective method that can significantly reduce wound complications. An ongoing prospective study should establish our demonstrated data.

Transplantation of an oversized heart.

In response to the limited number of available donors, the criteria for accepting hearts have been expanded. In a 46-year-old female (160 cm, 56 kg) with a body surface area (BSA) of 1.58 m(2), an orthotopic heart transplantation was performed. She received the heart from a 34-year-old male donor (190 cm, 90 kg, BSA 2.58 m(2)). During transplantation, the obvious difference between the donor's heart and the recipient's pericardium did not cause a technical problem. However, the postoperative course was characterized by severe circulation problems. Due to a hemodynamically significant right heart impression, a consecutive pericardectomy had to be performed. After excision of the left and the right side of the pericardium, the patient returned to a stable condition. The consecutive course was without cardiopulmonary problems and the patient was discharged from the hospital 20 days later. The last twelve-month follow-up showed good cardiac function and excellent physical condition. We conclude that an oversized donor heart can be used for heart transplantation as long as the pericardium is left open and a left and right pericardectomy is performed.