Description For the EA group, we inserted sterile disposable acupuncture needles (diameter 0.25 mm and length 30 mm) in acupuncture points Neiguan (PC-6) and Jianshi (PC-5), as shown in Fig. 1.
Experimental Description
Forty patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent orthotropic deceased donor liver transplantation were randomized into two groups. The norepinephrine (NE) group received norepinephrine as a vasoconstrictor, and the electro-acupuncture group received EA at the PC-5 and the PC-6 points for treatment of hypotension during anesthesia for the liver transplantation.
Sample Count
40
Control
Std
Norepinephrin(NE)(n=20)
Experiment
Eletcroacupuncture(EA)(n=20)
Indicator
Mean arterial pressure(MAP)Heart rate(HR)Central venous pressure(CVP)
Auxiliary Medication
The induction of anesthesia was accomplished with thiopental, fentanyl, and midazolam. Pancurronium or atracurium was used for neuromuscular blockade. Ventilation was maintained with an air-oxygen mixture plus isoflurane.
Stimulation Method
EA
Induction Method
Electroacupuncture Instrument Model
Manufacturer
Frequency
Waveform
Strength
Induction Time
WQ-IOD1
Beijing, China
-
disperse-dense wave
4 mA;10 mA
received electro-acupuncture treatment during anesthesia.
Acupuncture_Needle
Needle_Manufacturer
Needle_Depth
-
-
-
Description Two needles were then connected to the EA system (model WQ-IOD1 multiple electronic acupunctoscope, Beijing, China) and stimulation started with a dense-disperse frequency (f1:10 and f2:40) at an intensity of 4 mA, for all of the patients in this group. The intensity was then increased to 10 mA in some patients in order to maintain the mean arterial pressure above 60 mmHg.
Anesthesia Method
AAA
Clinical Trial Type
random
Effector
During the three stages of liver transplantation, there were no significant differences in the hemodynamic measurements including the mean arterial pressure, heart rate and central venous pressure between the two groups (p > 0.05).Electro-acupuncture at the acupuncture points reduced the severity and the incidence of hypotension during anesthesia for liver transplantation.
Electro-acupuncture stimulation at acupoints reduced the severity of hypotension during anesthesia in patients undergoing liver transplantation.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage liver diseases who undergo liver transplantation may suffer from hypotension related to the liver disease itself or related to the surgical procedure. Because electro-acupuncture (EA) at the Neiguan (PC-6) and the Jianshi (PC-5) points influences hemodynamics, we hypothesize that electro-acupuncture at the traditionally used acupuncture points will reduce the severity of hypotension in patients who undergo liver transplantation. METHODS: Forty patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent orthotropic deceased donor liver transplantation were randomized into two groups. The norepinephrine (NE) group received norepinephrine as a vasoconstrictor, and the electro-acupuncture group received EA at the PC-5 and the PC-6 points for treatment of hypotension during anesthesia for the liver transplantation. The patients were monitored, during the three stages of liver transplantation by using hemodynamic parameters. RESULTS: During the three stages of liver transplantation, there were no significant differences in the hemodynamic measurements including the mean arterial pressure, heart rate and central venous pressure between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Electro-acupuncture at the acupuncture points reduced the severity and the incidence of hypotension during anesthesia for liver transplantation."
Souce
J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2012 Feb;5(1):11-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2011.11.001. Epub 2011 Dec 7.
