Ultrasound-Guided Parasternal Block Allows Optimal Pain Relief and Ventilation Improvement After a Sternal Fracture

Awake sternal fixation; comparison of technical details and early results with sternal fixation methods performed via general anaesthesia

OBJECTIVES

Isolated sternal fractures are rare pathologies that rarely require surgical fixation. Although different fixation techniques are used, it is routinely performed under general anaesthesia. In our study, we aimed to share the details of the awake sternal fixation technique performed in our clinic and to compare the early results with sternal fixation methods performed under general anaesthesia.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and January 2023, 129 patients who were diagnosed with sternal fracture and who underwent investigations and follow-up in our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Thirteen patients who underwent surgical fixation for isolated sternal fracture were included in the study. Patients were categorized according to fixation and anaesthetic technique; group 1: fixation with steel wire under general anaesthesia (n = 4), group 2: fixation with titanium plate-screw under general anaesthesia (n = 4) and group 3: fixation with awake titanium plate-screw with parasternal intercostal plane block (n = 5). Demographics, surgical indication, radiological findings, surgical incision, surgical time and hospital stay were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients included in the study was 55.15 ± 15.01 years and 84.6% (n = 11) were male. The most common reason for fixation was displaced fracture (53.8%). Fixation surgery was performed due to pain in 30.8% (n = 4) and non-union in 15.4% (n = 2) of the fractures. The mean duration of surgery were 98.75 ± 16.52, 77.5 ± 35 and 41 ± 14.74 min, respectively. Duration of surgery was significantly lower in group 3 compared to the other groups (P = 0.012). The hospital stay duration for group 1 was 6 days, group 2 was 4 days and group 3 was 1 day. A notable difference was observed among all groups (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Awake sternal fixation technique with titanium plate-screw system under superficial parasternal intercostal plane block is an easy and effective method for surgical treatment of isolated sternal fractures. This technique showed a direct positive effect on the duration of surgery and hospital stay.

Transversus thoracic muscle plane block for pain during cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The role of transversus thoracic muscle plane blocks (TTMPBs) during cardiac surgery is controversial. We conducted a systematic review to establish the effectiveness of this procedure.

DESIGN

Systematic review. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, WanFang Data, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure to June 2022, and followed the GRADE approach to evaluate the certainty of evidence.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligible studies enrolled adult patients scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery and randomized them to receive a TTMPB or no block/sham block.

MAIN RESULTS

Nine trials that enrolled 454 participants were included. Compared to no block/sham block, moderate certainty evidence found that TTMPB probably reduces postoperative pain at rest at 12 h [weighted mean difference (WMD) -1.51 cm on a 10 cm visual analogue scale for pain, 95% CI -2.02 to -1.00; risk difference (RD) for achieving mild pain or less (≤3 cm), 41%, 95% CI 17-65) and 24 h (WMD -1.07 cm, 95% CI -1.83 to -0.32; RD 26%, 95% CI 9-37). Moderate certainty evidence also supported that TTMPB probably reduces pain during movement at 12 h (WMD -3.42 cm, 95% CI -4.47 to -2.37; RD 46%, 95% CI 12-80) and at 24 h (WMD -1.73 cm, 95% CI -3.24 to -0.21; RD 32%, 95% CI 5-59), intraoperative opioid use [WMD -28 milligram morphine equivalent (MME), 95% CI -42 to -15], postoperative opioid consumption (WMD -17 MME, 95% CI -29 to -5), postoperative nausea and vomiting (absolute risk difference 255 less per 1000 persons, 95% CI 140-314), and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (WMD -13 h, 95% CI -21 to -6).

CONCLUSION

Moderate certainty evidence showed TTMPB during cardiac surgery probably reduces postoperative pain at rest and with movement, opioid consumption, ICU length of stay, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting.

Parasternal intercostal plane block catheters for cardiac surgery: a retrospective, propensity weighted, cohort study

Aim: Anesthesia for cardiac surgery has evolved toward fast-track recovery strategies incorporating non opioid analgesics and regional anesthesia. Materials & methods: This retrospective cohort study compared opioid consumption, pain scores and length of stay in patients who underwent cardiac surgery via median sternotomy and did or did not receive preoperative parasternal intercostal plane block catheters with postoperative ropivacaine infusions. Results: Postoperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain scores did not differ. Blocks were associated with decreased intraoperative opioids and reduced length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. Conclusion: Parasternal intercostal plane block catheters were not associated with decreased postoperative opioid consumption or pain scores, but were associated with reduced intraoperative opioids and length of stay.

Impact of sternal fixation on patient outcomes: A case matched review

INTRODUCTION

Sternal fractures are debilitating injuries often resulting in severe pain and respiratory compromise. Surgical fixation of sternal fractures is gaining popularity as a treatment modality for sternal fractures. Unfortunately, little literature exists on this topic. This study looks to further examine the benefits of sternal fixation (SF), hypothesizing SF results in improved pain, improved respiratory function, and decreased opioid use.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed between patients with sternal fractures who underwent nonoperative management (NOM) versus operative SF. Case matching was used to construct an artificial control group matched on age and Injury Severity Score using a 1:1 ratio of treatment to control. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years. Outcomes of interest included mean pain score, total opioid requirements (in morphine milliequivalents) within 24 hours of discharge, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay (LOS), and incentive spirometry percent predicted value at discharge. Dependent variables were analyzed using t test, and Injury Severity Score was analyzed using the sign test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients from the SF cohort were matched with 58 patients from the NOM cohort. The average age was 59.8 years for the SF group and 62.2 years for the NOM group. Injury Severity Score was matched at 9 for both cohorts. Although pain scores were similar for both cohorts, the SF group required significantly less opioids at discharge (62.1 vs. 92.2 morphine milliequivalents; p = 0.007). In addition, the SF cohort demonstrated significantly improved respiratory function per incentive spirometry percent predicted value at discharge (75.5% vs. 59.9%; p < 0.001). Intensive care unit LOS and hospital LOS were similar between cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Despite similarities in pain scores, intensive care unit LOS, and hospital LOS, SF was associated with decreased opioid requirements and improved respiratory function at discharge in this study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Transversus thoracic plane block and rectus sheath block for left ventricular assist device implantation via full median sternotomy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, pain management after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation via median sternotomy have been based on intravenous opioids but, in the era of enhanced recovery after surgery, a multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia could represent a valid alternative reducing opioids related side effects.

CASE REPORT

We described the successfully use of an opioid-sparing regimen for pain management after LVAD implantation via median sternotomy based on two ultrasound-guided fascial plane wall blocks. Bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic plane block was performed to manage sternotomy pain; additionally, unilateral left ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block was performed to provide somatic pain relief for left abdominal wall structures superficial to the peritoneum within which the LVAD driveline was inserted. The patient was extubated on Day 1 and good quality analgesia (numerical rating scale <3) was obtained, without using nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or opioids. The patient was discharged from Intensive Care Unit on Day 3 and during hospitalization (lasted 24 days) there was no need for rescue analgesia administration.

Thoracic regional anesthesia and the impact on ventilation

Thoracic surgical incisions can be associated with intense pain or discomfort. Postoperative thoracic pain may be multifactorial in origin. Inadequate analgesia causes respiratory dysfunction. Adequate analgesia preserves pulmonary function and may hasten recovery. Intravenous opioids are widely used but sufficient analgesia is seldom achieved in doses that permit safe spontaneous ventilation. Thoracic regional anesthesia provides profound analgesia, is opiate sparing and has minimal depressant effects on ventilation. Thoracic regional anesthesia is both an effective alternative to systemic analgesics or can be used as part of a multimodal analgesic technique.

Traumatic sternal fractures: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE

Traumatic sternal fractures are injuries most commonly resulting from a direct blow to the anterior chest wall or forced deceleration. The purpose of this review is to define the clinical significance of these injuries, outline their initial evaluation and work up, and review current treatment strategies available and their outcomes.

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of traumatic sternal fractures has seen a recent rise, largely due to the increased access to computed tomography (CT) scan. Currently, there are no published guidelines to make recommendations on operative fixation for sternal fractures. This is probably related to the lack of evidence in published literature along with patient heterogeneity.

METHODS

We conducted a non-systematic review of the English literature published from January 2000 to December 2020, including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case series and case reports regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of traumatic sternal fractures. We critically analyzed the available evidence to provide an overview of the treatment and clinical outcomes of traumatic sternal fractures.

CONCLUSION

Isolated sternal fractures are commonly benign injuries that can be managed conservatively in an outpatient setting. Polytrauma patients with sternal fractures should be carefully screened for possible associated injuries. Surgical stabilization of sternal fractures is feasible and safe, and should be considered in unstable fractures, severe displacement, symptomatic malunion or non-union.

Ultrasound-guided parasternal blocks: techniques, clinical indications and future prospects: a narrative review

Fascial plane blocks represent anesthetic procedures performed to manage perioperative and chronic pain. Recently, many fascial blocks techniques have been described increasing their field of applications. They offer anesthetic and analgesic efficacy, easy of execution and low risk of complications. The newest techniques recently described are the ultrasound parasternal blocks (USPSB) which provide analgesia to the antero-medial chest wall. In particular, the antero-medial chest wall blocks are performed to provide analgesia and anesthesia in several and different surgeries such as median sternotomy, breast surgery, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and in the management of acute and chronic pain. The nervous target for these blocks is represented by the anterior branches of the intercostal nerves which enter the intercostal (ICM) and pectoralis major (PMM) muscles innervating the antero-medial region of chest wall, the main cause of poststernotomy pain. Local anesthetic is injected deep to PMM and superficial to the ICM or between the internal thoracic muscle (IIM) and transversus thoracis muscle (TTM). So, essentially these blocks may be described as superficial or deep parasternal-intercostal plane blocks, based on where the target nerves are hunted. Even if they all provide analgesia to the antero-medial chest wall, the anatomical injection site represents the main peculiarity that differentiates these techniques. To date, a common nomenclature for antero-medial chest wall blocks or parasternal-intercostal plane blocks is not yet well defined and a standardized nomenclature is needed to ensure an adequate communication among anesthesiologists.

Ultrasound-guided parasternal injection in dogs: a cadaver study

OBJECTIVES

To describe the technique of performing an ultrasound-guided distal parasternal intercostal block and to determine the distribution of two volumes of methylene blue dye solution injected in canine cadavers.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cadaver study.

ANIMALS

A group of seven canine cadavers weighing 12-34 kg.

METHODS

The space between the transversus thoracic and the internal intercostal muscles is a virtual cavity. Ultrasound-guided injections in the distal (parasternal) intercostal space were performed using dye solution at 0.05 mL kg^-1 in each intercostal space from the second to seventh (LV, low volume, six injections per dog) in one hemithorax, and 0.1 mL kg^-1 in the third, fifth and seventh intercostal spaces (HV, high volume, three injections in each dog) on the contralateral side. Anatomical dissection was carried out to describe dye spread characteristics and staining of intercostal nerves.

RESULTS

The ultrasonographic landmarks for injection were identified in each cadaver. In the LV group the solution was found in every intercostal space (36/36), whereas the HV injection stained six intercostal spaces in two dogs, five in two, and in two dogs the solution was found in four and three spaces, respectively, demonstrating multisegmental distribution. Intrapleural staining was observed after two injections.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ultrasound-guided injection of 0.05 mL kg^-1 at the distal intercostal space resulted in staining of the intercostal nerve in all dogs when performed in every space and may be an appropriate alternative to previously reported techniques. A single injection of 0.1 mL kg^-1 may anaesthetize more than one intercostal nerve, but not consistently. Clinical investigations are warranted to better characterize and to refine this locoregional technique.

Regional Analgesia for Cardiac Surgery. Part 2: Peripheral Regional Analgesia for Cardiac Surgery

The introduction of regional analgesia in the past decades have revolutionized postoperative pain management for various types of surgery, particularly orthopedic surgery. Nowadays, they are being constantly introduced into other types of surgeries including cardiac surgeries. Neuraxial and paravertebral plexus blocks for cardiac surgery are considered as deep blocks and have the risk of hematoma formation in the setting of anticoagulation associated with cardiac surgeries. Moreover, hemodynamic compromise resulting from sympathectomy in patients with limited cardiac reserve further limits the use of neuraxial techniques. A multitude of fascial plane blocks involving chest wall have been developed, which have been shown the potential to be included in the regional analgesia armamentarium for cardiac surgery. In myofascial plane blocks, the local anesthetic spreads passively and targets the intermediate and terminal branches of intercostal nerves. They are useful as important adjuncts for providing analgesia and are likely to be included in "Enhanced Recovery after Cardiac Surgery (ERACS)" protocols. There are several small studies and case reports that have shown efficacy of the regional blocks in reducing opioid requirements and improving patient satisfaction. This review article discusses the anatomy of various fascial plane blocks, mechanism of their efficacy, and available evidence on outcomes after cardiac surgery.

Ultrasound-Guided Hematoma Block for a Clavicular Fracture

BACKGROUND

Clavicular fractures are commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED). Fracture pain is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and opioids; however, both of these drug classes have potentially significant side effects that limit their use in certain patient populations. Hematoma blocks are safe and effective alternatives for pain control.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 39-year-old healthy man that presented to the ED with a clavicular fracture after a fall from a motorized scooter. He received minimal pain relief from hydrocodone-acetaminophen. A hematoma block was subsequently performed, with significant improvement in his pain. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Hematoma blocks are safe and effective treatments for clavicular fracture pain in the ED without the potentially significant side effects of NSAIDs and opioids.

Sternal fixation for isolated traumatic sternal fractures improves pain and upper extremity range of motion

INTRODUCTION

Sternal fractures are debilitating due to intractable pain, constant fracture movement and limited range of motion (ROM) of the upper extremities (UE). Traditional treatment comprises mainly of pain control, delaying return to daily activities. Recently, sternal fixation has gained popularity. There is, however, a lack of literature demonstrating efficacy. We report our experience of traumatically fractured sternal fixation.

METHODS

Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was completed for all patients undergoing sternal fixation by a single trauma surgeon at our Level I trauma center. Basic demographics were obtained. Primary outcomes included average cumulative pain scores, total cumulative narcotic amounts and total number of pain medication agents utilized prior to and after sternal fixation. Secondary outcome included physical therapy UE ROM before and after surgery. Paired t tests were used for comparison; significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients underwent sternal fixation from 8/2016 to 2/2018. Average age was 54.4 ± 20.8 years; 54% were female. All patients experienced blunt trauma; average injury severity score was 15.8 ± 10.9 and abbreviated chest injury score was 2.5 ± 0.51. Average intensive care unit/hospital length of stay was 2.3/10.2 days. Average pain scores significantly improved by a score of 3.5 postoperatively (preoperative = 7.08 ± 2.3, postoperative = 3.54 ± 2.5; p = 0.001). Total pain medications required by sternal fixation patients significantly decreased by 1 medication postoperatively (preoperative = 4.2 medications, postoperative = 3.2 medications; p = 0.002). Average narcotic requirements significantly decreased by 7.59 morphine milligram milliequivalents (MME) after sternal fixation (preoperative amount = 71.78 MME, postoperative amount = 64.19 MME; p = 0.041). Every patient had limited UE ROM preoperatively; however, all but one patient resumed full UE ROM postoperatively (p < 0.001). There were no postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Sternal fixation is a safe and effective procedure resulting in improved pain, decreased narcotic requirements, and faster recovery.

Traumatic Sternal Fractures can be Safely Treated Conservatively - A 13-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Traumatic sternal fractures are rare injuries with little evidence supporting the best treatment strategy. This study assessed treatment outcomes from our level-I trauma centre.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all sternal fracture patients admitted to our level-I trauma centre between 2007 and 2019. Patients with sternal fractures due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, patients <16 years, patients who died during initial hospital stay, and patients lost to follow-up were excluded from analysis.

Results

In 13 years, 355 patients with traumatic sternal fractures were admitted, corresponding to 2% of all trauma patients. 262 patients were included in analysis. Mean age was 52 years and 71% of patients were male. Mean ISS was 19 (range 4-66). The majority of sternal fractures was located in the sternal body. Six patients (2%) underwent primary sternal fixation. Treatment failure occurred in three patients (1%) and was significantly higher in the surgical treatment group (p=0.001). There was no difference in treatment failure between patients with and without concomitant spinal fractures.

Conclusions

Conservative treatment is safe and effective for traumatic sternal fractures. Surgical treatment should be reserved for rare cases, such as imminent respiratory failure or debilitating symptomatic non-union.

Ultrasound-guided Modified Parasternal Intercostal Nerve Block: Role of Preemptive Analgesic Adjunct for Mitigating Poststernotomy Pain

Background and Aim

To assess the quality and effectiveness of postoperative pain relief after fast-tracking tracheal extubation in cardiac surgery intensive care unit, effected by a single-shot modified parasternal intercostal nerve block compared with routine in-hospital analgesic protocol, when administered before sternotomy.

Design

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded interventional study.

Setting

Single-center tertiary teaching hospital.

Participants

Ninety adult patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Materials and Methods

Patients were randomized into two groups. Patients in the parasternal intercostal block group (PIB) (n = 45) received ultrasound-guided modified parasternal intercostal nerve block with 0.5% levobupivacaine after anesthesia induction at 2^nd-6^th intercostal space along postinduction using standardized anesthesia drugs with routine postoperative hospital analgesic protocol with intravenous morphine. Patients in the group following routine hospital analgesia protocol (HAP) (n = 45) served as controls, with standardized anesthesia drugs and routine hospital postoperative analgesic protocol with intravenous morphine. The primary study outcome aimed to evaluate pain at rest and when doing deep breathing exercises with spirometry, coughing expectorations using a 11-point numerical rating scale.

Results

The postoperative pain score at rest and during breathing exercises was compared between the two groups at different time durations (15 min after extubation and every 4^th hourly for 24 h). Patients in the PIB group had significantly lower pain scores and better quality of analgesia during the entire study period at rest and during breathing exercise (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the side effect profile and need of rescue analgesics were better in the PIB group than the HAP group at different time intervals.

Conclusion

PIB is safe for presternotomy administration and provided significant quality of pain relief postoperatively, as seen after tracheal extubation for a period of 24 h, on rest as well as with deep breathing, coughing, and chest physiotherapy exercises when compared to intravenous morphine alone after sternotomy. This study further emphasizes the role of preemptive analgesia in mitigating postoperative sternotomy pain and it's role as a plausible safe analgesic adjunct facilitating fast tracking with sternotomies on systemic heparinization.

Comparison of preincisional and postincisional parasternal intercostal block on postoperative pain in cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

The optimum cardiac surgical pain management has known to maintain hemodynamic stability and, reduces respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Postoperative parasternal intercostal block has shown to reduce postoperative analgesic consumption after cardiac surgery. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effectiveness of the preoperative ultrasound guided parasternal block in reducing postoperative pain after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This was a randomized, prospective, interventional, single blind study comprised of 90 adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery involving sternotomy. Preoperatively and postoperatively, 0.25% bupivacaine administered in 4 mL aliquots into the anterior (2nd-6th) intercostal spaces on each side about 2 cm lateral to the sternal edge with a total volume of 40 mL under ultrasound guidance and direct vision, respectively. Postoperative pain was rated according to visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative fentanyl consumptions, dosages of rescue medications, and time to extubation.

MAIN RESULTS

There was no significant differences in visual analogue score visual analogue score at all time points till 24 hours postoperatively. Intraoperative fentanyl requirements (microgram/kg) before cardiopulmonary bypass was significantly lower in pre-incisional group than the post-incisional group (0.16 ± 0.43 vs 0.68 ± 0.72; P = .0001). Furthermore, there were no significant difference in total fentanyl requirement (7.20 ± 2.66 vs 8.37 ± 3.13; P = .06) and tramadol requirement (0.02 ± 0.15 vs 0.07 ± 0.26; P = .28) within first 24 hours. However, time to extubation was significantly higher in the preoperative group (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative and postoperative parasternal intercostal block provide comparable pain relief during the postoperative period.

Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Thoracic Muscle Plane Block on Postoperative Opioid Consumption After Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Study

OBJECTIVES

The postoperative analgesic efficacy of transversus thoracic muscle plane block (TTMPB) has not yet been evaluated sufficiently. This randomized controlled study evaluated the effect of TTMPB on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

SETTINGS

Single institution, academic university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-eight adult patients having cardiac surgery with median sternotomy.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive preoperative ultrasound-guided TTMPB with either 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine or saline bilaterally. Postoperative analgesia was administered intravenously in the 2 groups 4 times a day with 1000 mg of paracetamol and patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was opioid consumption in the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores, first analgesic requirement time, rescue analgesia, intensive care discharge time, and side effects. Compared with the control group (median 465 µg, interquartile range 415-585), the transversus thoracic muscle plane (TTMP) group (median 255 µg, interquartile range 235-305) had reduced postoperative 24-hour opioid consumption (p < 0.001). Pain scores were significantly lower in the TTMP group compared with the control group up to 12 hours after surgery both at rest and active movement (p < 0.001). Compared with the TTMP group, the proportion of postoperative nausea and pruritus was statistically higher in the control group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A single preoperative TTMPB provided effective analgesia and decreased opioid requirements in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block combined with parasternal block in subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation: Results of a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The standard approach to subcutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation often requires general anesthesia or anesthesiologist-delivered deep sedation. Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) combined with parasternal block (PSB) has been proposed in order to provide anesthesia/analgesia and to reduce the need for sedation during S-ICD implantation. In this pilot study, we compared the double-block approach (SAPB + PSB) with the single-block approach (SAPB only) and with the standard approach involving local anesthesia and sedation.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 22 patients undergoing S-ICD implantation: in 10, the single-block approach was adopted; in 12, the double-block approach. As a control group, we retrospectively enrolled 14 consecutive patients who had undergone S-ICD implantation under standard local anesthesia and sedation in the previous 6 months. Intra- and postprocedural data, including patient-reported pain intensity, were collected and compared in the three study groups.

RESULTS

The double-block approach was associated with a shorter procedure duration than the single-block and standard approaches (63.3 ± 7.9 vs 70.1 ± 6.8 vs 76.9 ± 7.8 min; P < .05) and with a lower dose of local an aesthetic for infiltration (18.9 ± 1.7 vs 27.5 ± 4.6 vs 44.6 ± 4.0 cc; P < .001). Both the double- and single-block approaches were associated with lower pain intensity at the device pocket and the lateral tunneling site (P < .05). The double-block approach proved superior to the other two approaches in controlling intraoperative pain at the parasternal tunneling site (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, SAPB combined with PSB was superior to SAPB alone and to the standard approach in controlling intraoperative pain during S-ICD implantation. In addition, this approach resulted in shorter procedure durations.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for the treatment of sternal fracture in the lower chest: a case report

Sternal fracture is a common complication of chest trauma but has a low incidence. Various treatments have been developed to reconstruct sternal fractures. Among these approaches, analgesia, corset fixation, and open reduction with plate internal fixation have been suggested. The use of newly developed minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is a feasible method. In this study, we report a case involving a 54-year-old man with a sternal fracture accompanied by bilateral pleural effusion and a small amount of right-sided pneumothorax. The patient was treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. The operation was successful and the postoperative recovery was good. No pneumothorax or complications such as chest pain, paresthesia, or wound infection were observed at the 1-year follow-up visit. Additionally, the bilateral pleural effusion had been completely absorbed. The incision in the lower chest was aesthetic and minimally traumatic. This case describes a novel method for internal fixation of sternal fractures.

Transversus Thoracis Muscle Plane Block

The transversus thoracis muscle plane block (TTP) block is a newly developed regional anesthesia technique which provides analgesia to the anterior chest wall. Since its introduction, this technique has been utilized for a wide range of surgical procedures as well as nonsurgical indications. Current evidence suggests that the TTP block provides effective analgesia for breast and cardiac surgeries, cardiac device implantation, pericardiocentesis, and acute and chronic pain management. To date, no major complications have been reported. Currently there is an urgent need to standardize the nomenclature of this technique to facilitate accurate communication amongst care providers, researchers, and authors. In this review, we describe the TTP block technique, review the indications and available evidence in clinical practice, and discuss alternative blocks and future prospects.

Current treatment and outcomes of traumatic sternal fractures-a systematic review

Purpose

Traumatic sternal fractures are rare injuries. The most common mechanism of injury is direct blunt trauma to the anterior chest wall. Most (> 95%) sternal fractures are treated conservatively. Surgical fixation is indicated in case of fracture instability, displacement or non-union. However, limited research has been performed on treatment outcomes. This study aimed to provide an overview of the current treatment practices and outcomes of traumatic sternal fractures and dislocations.

Methods

A systematic review of literature published from 1990 to June 2017 was conducted. Original studies on traumatic sternal fractures, reporting sternal healing or sternal stability were included. Studies on non-traumatic sternal fractures or not reporting sternal healing outcomes, as well as case reports (n = 1), were excluded.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in this review, which reported treatment outcomes for 191 patients. Most included studies were case series of poor quality. All patients showed sternal healing and 98% reported pain relief. Treatment complications occurred in 2% of patients.

Conclusions

Treatment of traumatic sternal fractures and dislocations is an underexposed topic. Although all patients in this review displayed sternal healing, results should be interpreted with caution since most included studies were of poor quality.

Challenges and Variations in Emergency Medicine Residency Training of Ultrasound-guided Regional Anesthesia Techniques

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound guidance has become an integral component to procedural and diagnostic practice for the emergency physician. Whereas landmark-guided methods were used for peripheral nerve blocks in the past, the use of ultrasound has made regional anesthesia procedures faster, more successful, and feasible as a pain management modality in the emergency department. Not only the utilization, but also the teaching of ultrasound has become an essential aspect of emergency medicine residency training. Prior studies have found a substantial variation in practice and policies with regard to ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) and this translates to the education of both residents and fellows.

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to describe the current state of UGRA education, trends, and barriers in emergency medicine residency and ultrasound fellowship programs in the United States.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted via the Internet utilizing the Qualtrics software platform. It was distributed to ultrasound directors and program directors of both Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) accredited emergency medicine residency programs and ultrasound fellowships. Data analysis, cross-tabulation, and subgroup analysis were performed utilizing the software.

RESULTS

We received a total of 138 responses (response rate of 66.3%). There was substantial variability with regard to implementing UGRA education. Additionally, there was a trend correlating a greater likelihood of UGRA education among programs with more than two ultrasound faculty members. Faculty training is considered to be the greatest barrier to teaching UGRA to residents and fellows.

CONCLUSION

Resident and fellow education with regard to UGRA varies significantly among individual programs. Although there are currently no ACGME or AOA guidelines, nearly all residency programs believe that this is a skill that emergency physicians should learn. With the identification of key barriers and the need for an increased number of trained faculty, pain management utilizing UGRA may become an integral part to emergency medicine resident and fellow education.