A randomized, controlled trial of the reciprocating procedure device for local anesthesia

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the new reciprocating procedure device (RPD) is superior to the conventional syringe for the administration of local anesthesia. There were 209 local fidocaine anesthesia procedures randomized between the RDP and the conventional syringe. Outcome measures included administration time, anesthesia pain, procedure pain, and operator satisfaction. The RPD significantly reduced anesthesia administration time by 49 % (RPD: 0.68 t 0.59 min, Syringe: 1.32 t 1.01 min, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] for % reduction: 36%-60%), reduced anesthesia pain by 27% IRPD visual analog pain scale score: 4.05 --t 2.64; Syringe: 5.55 t 3.00; p < 0.00 1, 95 % C1 14 %-38 %), reduced significant procedure pain by 74% (p < 0.001, 95% CI 60%-87%), and improved physician satisfaction by 63% (p < 0.001, 95% C1 53%-74%). The RPD markedly reduces the pain associated with fidocaine anesthesia administration, reduces administration time, and maintains the effectiveness of local anesthesia. The RPD is superior to and significantly more effective than the conventional syringe for the administration of local fidocaine anesthesia. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc.