[Infraclavicular vertical brachial plexus blockade in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: case report.].
OBJECTIVE
Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have a higher risk of postoperative complications, especially when undergoing general anesthesia. Brachial plexus blockade is an alternative for these patients when they undergo upper limb surgeries. The objective of this report is to present a case of infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade in patients with COPD and a fractured elbow.


METHODS
A female patient, 67 years old, 52 kg, physical status ASA III, with post-pneumonia bronchiectasis since nine years of age and an indication of osteosynthesis of the elbow. She presented productive cough regularly; after evaluation, her pneumologist cleared her for the surgery. The patient was monitored with non-invasive blood pressure. ECG, and pulse oximeter. Infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade with 0.5% ropivacaine 30 mL was performed, without intercurrences. The patient was discharged from the hospital the following day.


CONCLUSIONS
Infraclavicular brachial plexus blockade is an alternative for patients with COPD and fracture of the elbow, due to its lower morbidity when compared to general anesthetic.
Conceição
Diogo Brüggemann da
DB
Núcleo de Ensino e Pesquisa em Anestesia Regional, HGCR.
Helayel
Pablo Escovedo
PE
Cecato
Fernanda
F