title: Thoracic paravertebral block using real-time ultrasound guidance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We developed a technique for ultrasound-guided paravertebral block, which was subsequently applied in the clinical setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  An initial cadaver study was used to develop a technique that was used in the clinical setting on patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Paravertebral catheters were correctly placed in the cadaveric trial in 8 of 10 attempts. In the clinical study, all blocked patients (n = 9) had evidence of thoracic wall sensory block and analgesia postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Determined by anatomical dissection, we have described the ultrasound features of the thoracic paravertebral space and performed clinically successful ultrasound-guided paravertebral block.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Mid-Western Regional Hospitals, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland. seosamh.oriain@hse.ie
authors.forename: Seosamh C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: O Riain
authors.forename: Brian O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Donnell
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cuffe
authors.forename: Dominic C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Harmon
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Fraher
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shorten
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013131:Spine / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography