Scholars@Duke
Karen Cristina Nielsen

Karen Cristina Nielsen

Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology, Ambulatory
niels006@mc.duke.edu
Box 3094 Med Ctr, Durham, NC
2400 Pratt Street, North Pavi, Ste 3323, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

* The Use of Advanced Regional Anesthesia for Ambulatory Surgery:
The unique use of single injection and continuous peripheral nerve blocks has tremendous advantages for outpatients. This is the major focus of the textbook " Ambulatory Anesthesia and Perioperative Analgesia" (Editors Susan M. Steele, Karen C. Nielsen, Stephen M. Klein).

* Ambulatory Anesthesiology Database:
The ambulatory anesthesia database collects outcomes data for regional and ambulatory anesthesia. This database has proved that valuable data can be collected in an ambulatory setting resulting in continuous quality improvement, providing improved support for research and publications.

* Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blockade in the Ambulatory Setting:
Major surgical procedures on healthy and high risk patients (ASA III and IV) can be performed in an ambulatory setting due to continuous regional anesthetic techniques.

* Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blockade in the Home Setting:
Major surgical procedures can be performed in an ambulatory setting under continuous peripheral nerve blocks. Patients can be discharged on the same day of surgery with disposable infusion pumps connected to peripheral nerve catheters for 3 -4 days. Patient selection and education are critical for the success of this home catheter program. Close patient follow-up is performed via telephone calls. Excellent pain management has been achieved, with improved cognitive function and sleep profile. No complications have been reported.

* The Use of Paravertebral Somatic Nerve Blockade Technique for Breast Cancer Surgery:
Benefits of regional anesthesia for breast cancer treatment include excellent analgesia, decreased incidence of postoperative nausea and
vomiting, faster recovery, preservation of immunologic function, decreasing hospital stay, and generating cost savings. Continuous paravertebral block techniques have been used to extend postoperative analgesia.

* Outcomes after Ambulatory Regional Anesthesia

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Associate Professor of Anesthesiology · 2021 - Present Anesthesiology, Ambulatory, Anesthesiology

Recent Publications

Regional Anesthesia for Ambulatory Anesthesiologists.

Journal Article Anesthesiol Clin · June 2019 Proper pain control is critical for ambulatory surgery. Regional anesthesia can decrease postoperative pain, improve patient satisfaction, and expedite patient discharge. This article discusses the techniques, clinical pearls, and potential pitfalls associ ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Education, Training & Certifications

Federal University of Parana (Brazil) · 1995 M.D.