Arterial and Venous Pharmacokinetics of Ropivacaine with and without Epinephrine after Thoracic Paravertebral Block

Abstract

The absorption of ropivacaine after thoracic paravertebral block is described by rapid and slow absorption phases. The rapid phase approximates the speed of intravenous administration and accounts for nearly half of ropivacaine absorption. The addition of 5 mug/ml epinephrine to ropivacaine significantly delays its systemic absorption and reduces the peak plasma concentration.