Thermographic assessment of stellate ganglion block effectiveness during cardiosurgical procedures.
The study present thermographic assessment of the effectiveness of temporary stellate blockade performed during cardiosurgical procedures. The assumption behind this method was the increase in the temperature of upper extremity on the side of blockade, due to the broadening of arterial bed.


METHODS
The study was conducted on a group of 30 patients (21 men and 9 women) operated due to coronary disease involving three vessels. Mean age of the patients was 53 years. After introduction of anaesthesia blockade were performed with 2 ml 2% lignocainum and 8 ml 0.5% bupivacaine solution using peratracheal approach. Blockade effectiveness was assessed on the basis of images obtained in thermovisual camera, comparing the temperatures of upper extremity before and within 15 minutes after performing the blockade. Free blood outflow from radial artery, its diameter and length were also evaluated. The results obtained were subject to statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Twenty-three patients (76.6%) displayed the increase in the temperature of upper extremity by 1-3 degrees C. Free blood outflow from radial artery was greater in this group than in the remaining patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Thermography is a useful method for the assessment of stellate blockade effectiveness. Effective blockade results in the increased blood flow in radial artery.
Rogowski
J
J
Department of Cardiosurgery, Institute of Cardiology, Medical University, ul. Debinki 7, Gdańsk. janrog@amg.gda.pl
Mroziński
P
P
Jagielak
D
D
Lango
R
R
Narkiewicz
M
M
Wujtewicz
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005730:Ganglionic Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000601:surgery; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D013233:Stellate Ganglion / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013817:Thermography / Q000379:methods*
D005730:Ganglionic Blockers