Local Anesthesia
1. Overview
Video 1
Local Anesthetics: Overview
This video provides a concise overview of local anesthetics, exploring their uses, mechanisms of action, classifications, dosage forms, and common side effects.
Video 2
Local Anesthetics: Key Agents
This anesthesiology lecture reviews local anesthetics covering key agents like lidocaine, benzocaine, and the differences between esters and amides, with clinical applications and pharmacologic insights.
NYSORA’s guide to intra-articular and periarticular infiltration for hip procedures explains how local anesthetics are used to enhance analgesia, covering techniques, drug choices, and clinical considerations for optimal pain control.
Medscape’s comprehensive overview of local anesthesia covers techniques, indications, complications, and evidence-based practices. Ideal for clinicians seeking a deep understanding of this anesthetic approach.
2. Core Science
Video 1
Pain Blocking
This video introduces local anesthetics, explaining how they temporarily block pain in a specific area to allow for minor surgical procedures without affecting consciousness.
Video 2
Mechanism of Action
This video breaks down the mechanism of action of local anesthetics in the simplest way, clarifying key concepts and exploring classic theories behind how these drugs block pain.
Video 3
Lidocaine
Blocks voltage-gated Na⁺ channels → prevents nerve depolarization
Dose: Max 5 mg/kg (7 mg/kg with epi)
Onset: 2–5 min · Duration: 1–2 hr
Pearls:
• Fast onset, versatile: local infiltration, nerve blocks, IV (blunts airway reflexes)
• Can be mixed with epi to prolong effect and reduce bleeding
⚠️ CNS toxicity: tinnitus, perioral numbness, seizures → treat with lipid emulsion
Video 4
Bupivacaine
Blocks voltage-gated Na⁺ channels → long-acting nerve block
Dose: Max 2.5 mg/kg (3 mg/kg with epi)
Onset: 5–10 min · Duration: 3–10 hr
Pearls:
• Preferred for epidurals and long blocks
• Differential motor/sensory block → good for labor analgesia
⚠️ Highest cardiotoxicity risk → ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest → lipid rescue if toxicity suspected
NYSORA provides a practical, clinically focused overview of local anesthetics, highlighting drug selection, dosing, onset/duration, and toxicity management for use in regional anesthesia.
This BJA Education article offers a comprehensive academic review of local anesthetic pharmacology, including detailed mechanisms, metabolism, and historical context. Ideal for in-depth study and exam preparation.
3. Step-by-Step
Video 1
Local Anesthetics in Surgery
This video demonstrates and explains the broad use of local anesthetics in surgery and highlights the importance of knowing maximum safe doses to prevent toxicity. Essential knowledge for safe clinical practice.
Video 2
Injecting Lidocaine
Designed for medical and nursing learners, this video demonstrates how to safely inject lidocaine for laceration management, offering practical tips for real-world clinical use.
Video 3
Buffering Local Anesthetic
This video walks through how to buffer local anesthetic with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. It covers preparation, syringe technique, injection, and a bonus clinical tip to enhance patient comfort.
TeachMeSurgery offers a step-by-step guide to administering local anesthetic, covering preparation, technique, dosing, and safety tips for surgical and clinical settings.
4. Complications
Video 1
Local Anesthetics: Overview
This video covers the essentials of Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST), exploring its mechanism, clinical presentation, prevention strategies, and evidence-based treatment protocols.
Video 2
Local Anesthetics: Key Agents
This mock simulation demonstrates the management of LAST using ASRA’s checklist. Highlights key actions, team coordination, and best practices for crisis response.
NYSORA’s guide to intra-articular and periarticular infiltration for hip procedures explains how local anesthetics are used to enhance analgesia, covering techniques, drug choices, and clinical considerations for optimal pain control.
NYSORA’s in-depth review of LAST covers its causes, clinical signs, prevention strategies, and up-to-date management protocols to enhance patient safety during regional anesthesia.
NYSORA’s comprehensive guide outlines strategies to prevent neurologic injury during peripheral nerve blocks, covering risk factors, mechanism of injury, and evidence-based safety practices.