The use of local anesthetic EMLA cream on procedures skin is gaining momentum (Friedman, Mafong, Friedman & Geronmus, 2001)
In first stages of the procedure of pacemaker implantation a local anesthesia is given to the patient intravenously Meperidine 25 mg and Midazolam 2.5 mg. Most transplanted patients are aged 70 years and above using rutine medication such as beta blockers, after the anesthetic, there is a significant drop in blood pressure. In addition, these patients tend to develop confusion, psychomotor agitation and other side effects
The purpose of the study is to examine whether applying EMLA cream before permanent pacemaker implantation will lead to a reduction in the use of customary anesthesia, such as midazolam and Meperidine and whether there is a decrease in pain levels after using EMLA
The institutional Ethics Committee approved the study. Data collection involved the distribution administration of three questionnaires
Summary at this early stage included patients a sample of 13 permanent pacemaker implantation candidates. 8 of the participants received in addition to local anesthesia, EMLA cream and 5 remaining received only conventional local anesthetic
The mean age 70.9 years. Average pain according to VAS first stage (during surgical incision) 5.2 among patients receiving EMLA vs. 2.6 those without EMLA (p = 0.036). In the second stage patients treated with ELMA 1.6 versus 2.4 without EMLA (p = NS) . In the third phase (end prcedure-sewing), average pain was 1.6 versus 2.4, respectively (p = NS). All patients (100%) received midazolam dose of 2-2.5 mg. 37.5% of patients using EMLA did not receive Meperidine versus of patients received Meperidine without EMLA100%
Our initial investigation found significant correlation between the use of EMLA and use of midazolam and Meperidine. In addition to a decrease in pain that was observed in the second and third phases.
