A comparison of laser-assisted drug delivery at two output energies for enhancing the delivery of topically applied LMX-4 cream prior to venipuncture.
BACKGROUND
Laser-assisted drug delivery (LAD) has the potential for facilitating topical anesthesia with reduced onset time.


METHODS
In this randomized, double-blind, crossover study we compared the efficacy and adverse event profile of LAD for topical anesthesia before venipuncture using two output energies (2.0 and 3.5 J/cm2).


RESULTS
Mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores were not statistically different (P = 0.57) between the low-energy (mean = 6.7) and high-energy (mean = 8.1) lasers.


CONCLUSIONS
LAD at an energy of 2.0 J/cm2 (570 mJ) is as effective, with similar adverse events, as an energy of 3.5 J/cm2 (1000 mJ) in facilitating topical anesthesia.
Koh
Jeffrey L
JL
Department of Anesthesiology and Peri-Operative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. kohj@ohsu.edu
Harrison
Dale
D
Swanson
Veronica
V
Norvell
Daniel C
DC
Coomber
Darren C
DC
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D018962:Phlebotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D009824:Ointments; D008012:Lidocaine