Laskimopuudutusta

Laskimopuudutusta, also known as intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA), is a technique used to provide anesthesia to a limb, typically an arm or a leg. It involves injecting a local anesthetic into a vein in the limb after it has been isolated from the rest of the circulation using a tourniquet. This method is particularly useful for short surgical procedures, such as carpal tunnel release, fracture reductions, or the removal of small tumors in the extremities.

The procedure begins with the application of a tourniquet proximal to the surgical site, effectively blocking blood flow into and out of the limb. A cannula is then inserted into a vein distal to the tourniquet, and blood is drained from the limb by elevating it or by exsanguinating it with a rubber bandage. Following this, the local anesthetic, most commonly lidocaine or bupivacaine, is injected into the venous cannula. The anesthetic then diffuses through the tissues, blocking nerve conduction and producing a state of surgical anesthesia in the isolated limb. The tourniquet remains inflated for the duration of the procedure.

Once the surgery is complete, the tourniquet is deflated in a controlled manner, allowing blood to flow back into the limb and carry away the anesthetic. This gradual deflation helps to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity from the local anesthetic. The patient typically remains awake during the procedure, though sedation can be provided if needed. Laskimopuudutusta offers a rapid onset of anesthesia and profound muscle relaxation, making it an effective option for specific surgical interventions. However, potential complications include anesthetic toxicity, nerve damage, and post-operative pain.