A simplified approach to vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade using hand-held Doppler.
In this observational study, we used Doppler ultrasound during the performance of vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. The success rate at inserting the needle at the point where the sound of the subclavian artery via Doppler reached its maximum audibility was compared with that of the classical insertion point. In 89 of the 100 patients, the medial or posterior cord was found at first needle pass. Using the Doppler point for insertion resulted in a significantly more lateral entry point compared with the classical point (P < 0.001) and was associated with a high success rate of infraclavicular block.
Renes
Steven
S
Department of Anesthesiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. s.renes@anes.umcn.nl
Clark
Laura
L
Gielen
Mathieu
M
Spoormans
Huub
H
Giele
Janneke
J
Wadhwa
Anupama
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001917:Brachial Plexus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007629:Kentucky; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009426:Netherlands; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000295:instrumentation*
D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D008012:Lidocaine