Biopsy – Temporal Artery
Anesthesia Implications
Position: Supine, arms tucked
Time: 30-60 min (short)
Blood Loss: Very Low (5-10 ml)
Post-op Pain: Minimal (1-3)
Maintenance Paralytic: No
- MAC, Propofol Drip
Shared workspace – the surgeon will be prepped and draped at roughly the ear. You’ll want to make sure the patient is prepared thoroughly so you don’t have to do anything that would break sterile field (eg. jaw thrusts).
Tucked Arms (general considerations): Consider a second IV – once the procedure has started, it’s going to be VERY difficult to handle IV issues – especially if your only IV has problems. Ensure the IV is running and monitors are still functioning after tucking the patient’s arms
The surgeon will prep and drape at about the ear. A doppler will be used to find the temporal artery. The surgeon will then cut down to the artery, biopsy, and suture up.
