No abstract

PURPOSE:To determine the minimum volume of methylene blue (MB) to completely color the brachial plexus (BP) nerves, simulating an effective anesthetic block in cats. METHODS:Fifteen adult male cat cadavers were injected through subscapular approach with volumes of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 ml in both forelimbs, for a total of 30 brachial plexus blocks (BPB). After infusions, the specimens were carefully dissected preserving each nervous branch. The measurement of the effective area was indicated by the impregnation of MB. Nerves were divided into four segments from the origin at the spinal level until the insertion into the thoracic limb muscles. The blocks were considered effective only when all the nerves were strongly or totally colored. RESULTS:Volumes of 2, 3 and 4 ml were considered insufficient suggesting a failed block, however, volumes of 5 and 6 ml were associated with a successful block. CONCLUSIONS:The injection of methylene blue, in a volume of 6 ml, completely colored the brachial plexus. At volumes of 5 and 6 ml the brachial plexus blocks were considered a successful regional block, however, volumes of 2, 3 and 4 ml were considered a failed regional block.

12.90 to 13.09 million VND when calculating 100% of T-IV wastes. For the entire course of treatment, T-SC economises from 45.11 to 232.16 million VND in early stage and from 25.52 to 91.65 million VND in metastasis stage depending on the percentage of wastage. In the minimized cost components, drug cost accounts for the highest proportion, fluctuating from 70.52% to 94.27% based on stage and portion of wastage. Other cost components are insignificant and do not change the value in all cases. Conclusions: T-SC is more economical than T-IV in treatment of HER2+ breast cancer in both cases of early and metastasis stage. In particular, drug cost is the most economical.