Imaging techniques for regional nerve blockade and vascular cannulation in children.
OBJECTIVE
Many regional anaesthesia techniques as well as central venous access in paediatric patients are still described insufficiently. This review article describes the basics in small part ultrasonography and highlights new developments in ultrasonographic-guided regional anaesthetic techniques and vascular access.


RESULTS
Ultrasonographic guidance for regional anaesthesia and vascular access has been shown to be suitable for paediatric anaesthesia. Particular neonates and babies may profit from direct ultrasonographic visualization of anatomical structures during invasive procedures. Advantages of ultrasonographic-guided regional anaesthesia are high success rates, improved block qualities and well tolerated avoidance of complications. Ultrasonographic guidance for vascular access in children is clearly recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
Regional anaesthesia and vascular access under ultrasonographic guidance offers significant advantages and improved safety. Additional education and hand skills, extensive experience and adequate equipment are necessary for the effective implementation of these methods in the daily clinical practice.
Marhofer
Peter
P
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. peter.marhofer@meduniwien.ac.at
Willschke
Harald
H
Kettner
Stephan
S
D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*