title: Long-term continuous axillary plexus blockade using 0.25% bupivacaine. A study of three cases.
abstract: Three patients, presenting with various traumatic, vasospastic and chronic neuromuscular disorders of the upper body, received continuous axillary block ranging from 4 to 16 days. Intermittent injections of 0.25% bupivacaine were used to provide analgesia, sympathetic blockade and muscle relaxation. No systemic or neurological side-effects were recorded. Nerve function recovered promptly after stopping the injections. It is concluded that continuous brachial plexus blockade is a clinically safe and effective technique for the relief of acute traumatic pain and vasospastic disorders of the upper limb. The technique, its merits and possible complications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Piteå General Hospital, Sweden.
authors.forename: V J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Sarma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002045:Bupivacaine; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002045:Bupivacaine