[Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block: a preliminary study of feasibility].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance combination for infraclavicular brachial plexus block (ICB) technique.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Fifty consecutive patients scheduled for hand, forearm or elbow surgery were included.


METHODS
A single stimulation lateral approach technique of ICB was performed. During the procedure, neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance were combined. The feasibility of ICB was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0: impossible, 100: very simple) for ultrasound anatomical structures identification (VAS(Anat)) and for block placement (VAS (Block)). The success rate of ICB block was noted.


RESULTS
No patient required general anaesthesia conversion. Median VAS+/-SD of VAS(Anat) and VAS(Block) were of 84+/-15 and 96+/-7, respectively. Success rate of ICB was 96%. No specific complication of ICB technique was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination of neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance is feasible. Combination of neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance secured ICB. Ultrasound-evidenced spread of local anaesthetics increased the success rate of ICB.
Bloc
S
S
Service d'anesthésie, hôpital privé Claude-Galien, Quincy-sous-Sénart, France. francanest@mac.com <francanest@mac.com>
Garnier
T
T
Komly
B
B
Leclerc
P
P
Mercadal
L
L
Morel
B
B
Dhonneur
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001917:Brachial Plexus; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008619:Mepivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008619:Mepivacaine