A catheter technique in ophthalmic regional anaesthesia. Cadaver experiments.
BACKGROUND
Regional anaesthesia for ophthalmic surgery is generally accomplished by peri- or retrobulbar techniques. Depending on the duration of ophthalmic surgery, reblock might become necessary. Our goal was to invent a catheter technique for ophthalmic regional anaesthesia that enables the user to administer local anaesthetics intraoperatively into the peri- or retrobulbar space continuously.


METHODS
Twenty-five adult cadaver orbits of normal size and anatomy were used for the experiments. A flexible catheter was introduced transcutaneously or transconjunctivally into the extra- or intraconal space. Methylene blue solution was injected through the catheter.


RESULTS
Using the same transcutaneous retro- and peribulbar technique, it was possible to introduce flexible catheters into a proper position of the cadaver orbits. The injected dye was found intra- or extraconally.


CONCLUSIONS
Examining the spread of the dye in the orbit, we concluded that it is possible to provide ophthalmic anaesthesia for surgery through an indwelling catheter. We proved that continuous or intermittent administration of a local anaesthetic agent into the extra- or inraconal space can be achieved and this technique may allow us to maintain anaesthesia as long as it is necessary.
László
C J
CJ
Department of Anaesthesiology, Haynal Imre University of Health Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
Gombos
K
K
Vimláti
L
L
Salacz
G
G
Hatvani
I
I
D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
D000779:Anesthetics, Local