[Utilization of transcutaneous anesthetics during heart catheterization].

OBJECTIVES

Assess the efficacy of an anesthetic cream for cardiac catheterization.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Percutaneous anesthesia was studied in a series of 100 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The anesthesia was composed with an eutetic mixture of local anesthetics and applied precisely over the puncture area in a randomized controlled study. After admission, patients were randomized into two groups: 50 patients received lidocaine infiltration and 50 patients received associated cream and infiltration. Percutaneous anesthesia was to be applied 2 hours before entering the operating room.

RESULTS

No complication developed with this cream combined with lidocaine infiltration. Serum concentration indicated very low levels which were very well tolerated. Patient comfort improved with the anesthetic cream-lidocaine infiltration association.

CONCLUSION

The use of an anesthetic cream is safe and effective, especially combined with lidocaine infiltration during cardiac catheterization. Cost is high and the association might be reserved for special indications (obesity, children).