Local Anesthetics for Neuraxial and Regional Techniques
- Cardiovascular and neurologic adverse effects can amount from local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST). The most current recommendations include lipid emulsion therapy as a standard of care for when the patient becomes hemodynamically unstable due to LAST.
- Liposomal bupivacaine is a delayed release formulation of standard bupivacaine and the most recent local anesthetic with a novel delivery system. This may present a gateway for advancement of new formulations and new approaches to regional techniques.
- Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols are becoming more common in the surgical world. Local anesthetics will be playing a role in the reduction of opiate consumption and opiate-related side effects. Additionally, mitigation of opiate prescriptions may assist with the reduction of illicit opiate drug use.