Laser assisted delivery of topical anesthesia for intramuscular needle insertion in adults

Lasers Surg Med. 2002;31(4):252-6. doi: 10.1002/lsm.10101.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Currently there is no safe, effective, and rapid means to eliminate the pain associated with a needle insertion through the skin. It is hypothesized that ablation of the stratum corneum layer using a low energy Erbium(Er):YAG laser would allow rapid local anesthesia from a lidocaine product.

Study design/materials and methods: Eighty volunteers participated in a placebo-controlled, double blind, cross-over study employing the Norwood-Abbey (Chelsea Heights, Victoria, Australia) laser anesthesia device (LAD) and two lidocaine preparations. Upper-arm skin ablation was followed by a 5-minute application of study treatment. Pain scores were registered immediately following a needle insertion.

Results: Comparing the combined lidocaine preparations to placebo, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain when the LAD was employed (P < 0.001). The median pain reduction for lidocaine was 51.3% (95% CI = [40.9, 76.1]).

Conclusions: Use of the low energy Er:YAG LAD device in combination with a 5-minute application of lidocaine significantly reduced the pain associated with a needle insertion.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage*
  • Anesthetics, Local / therapeutic use*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular / adverse effects*
  • Lidocaine / administration & dosage*
  • Lidocaine / therapeutic use*
  • Low-Level Light Therapy*
  • Male
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Pain / prevention & control*
  • Pain / radiotherapy
  • Pain Measurement
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Lidocaine