title: Use of a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope for intercostal nerve block.
abstract: Two cases with rib injuries are reported where intercostal nerve block without rib palpation was safely and successfully performed on six separate occasions using a Doppler blood-flow detector ultrasound stethoscope. A third case studied by a radiologist using a pulsed Doppler flowmeter, determined the source of the Doppler signals as originating from the intercostal artery. The significance of these findings is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vaghadia
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Jenkins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007367:Intercostal Nerves; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D012253:Rib Fractures; D013900:Thoracic Nerves; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*