[Application of a disposable infusor to cervico-thoracic continuous epidural block for the treatment of retinal vein occlusion].
A disposable infusor was used for cervico-thoracic continuous epidural block (Infusor CB) for the treatment of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). We compared 12 RVO patients treated by this procedure with 17 RVO patients treated by conventional ophthalmologic treatment (control group). Mepivacaine 1% was continuously infused at the speed of 1 ml.h-1 through the epidural catheter. In 6 of these patients, stellate ganglion block (SGB) was added to the Infusor CB. The treatment period of the Infusor CB group and the SGB added group was 45.7 +/- 29.3 days and 52.2 +/- 26.4 days, respectively. In both groups, retinal exudates and hemorrhages were absorbed and the visual acuity was improved significantly better compared to control group. These results suggest that the Infusor CB is effective on RVO because of the continuous sympathetic block.
Department of Anesthesia, Kyushu Central Hospital, Fukuoka.
N
N
Yashima
M
M
Takeshita
I
I
Konomi
D000368:Aged; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block; D002404:Catheterization; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D006801:Humans; D008619:Mepivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000628:therapy*
D008619:Mepivacaine