Episode 22: Rate of occurrence of respiratory complications in patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty with a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block and associated risk factors.

RAPM Editor-in-Chief Brian Sites, MD, joins Lei Xu, MD, and Ed Mariano, MD, MAS, FASA, FASRA, two coauthors of “Rate of occurrence of respiratory complications in patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty with a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block and associated risk factors,” first published in May 2023. Dr. Xu is a clinical assistant professor in the department of anesthesiology at Stanford. She received her medical degree from Stanford before completing her residency in anesthesiology at the University of California San Francisco, and then a fellowship in regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine at Stanford. She is interested in the application of regional anesthesia outside the operating room. Her research interests include studying the functional outcomes of clinical pathways that include regional anesthesia in the primary arthroplasty in acute trauma populations. Dr. Mariano is a professor and senior vice chair in the department of anesthesiology at Stanford. He has developed techniques and patient care pathways to improve post-operative pain, patient safety, and other outcomes, and has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles. He has held leadership positions in the California Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, and multiple journal editorial boards. In their retrospective observational study, over 1,000 patients were evaluated undergoing total shoulder replacement with a continuous interscalene block. Respiratory complications were categorized into four groups: none, mild, moderate, and severe. Interscalene blocks are important to the success of these surgeries, but there remain concerns about respiratory morbidity. *The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others. Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on Twitter @RAPMOnline. #interscalenebrachialplexusblock #interscaleneblock #respiratorymorbidity #respiratorycomplications #arthoplasty #shoulderarthoplasty

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