Comparing Resuscitative Measures for Bupivacaine Toxicity Utilizing Lipid Emulsions in a swine model(Sus scrofa)

Comparing Resuscitative Measures for Bupivacaine Toxicity Utilizing Lipid Emulsions in a swine model(Sus scrofa)

A toxic dose of bupivacaine causes cardiac arrhythmias and ultimately asystole. Resuscitation is difficult and almost always unsuccessful. Until recently, cardiopulmonary bypass was the only effective treatment. Anecdotal evidence suggests that infusion of lipid emulsion may be an effective treatment. No studies have determined the optimal combination of lipid rescue and traditional Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) therapy for a toxic dose of bupivacaine. The purpose was to determine the optimal combination of lipid rescue and traditional ACLS therapy for treatment overdose of bupivacaine.