Optimal effective concentration of lidocaine for stellate ganglion block in pigs

Abstract Background: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) with lidocaine has been widely used in the treatment of pain or peripheral vascular diseases. However, there are no reports on the appropriate concentration of lidocaine for SGB using animals. Aims: The aim of this study is to examine the optimal effective concentration of lidocaine for SGB in pigs. Methods: We measured mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and right and left brachial artery blood flow (BABF) before and after left SGB in pigs. The experimental protocol was designed as follows: (1) Left SGB with physiological saline solution 1.0 ml (Group PSS; n = 8); (2) Left SGB with 0.25% lidocaine 1.0 ml (Group 0.25L; n = 8); (3) Left SGB with 0.5% lidocaine 1.0 ml (Group 0.5L; n = 8); (4) Left SGB with 1.0% lidocaine 1.0 ml (Group 1.0L; n = 8); (5) Left SGB with 2.0% lidocaine 1.0 ml (Group 2.0L; n = 8). Results: MAP and HR did not change significantly throughout the study in all groups. There were no significant differences on left BABF thro...