Brief reports: regional anesthesia needles can introduce ultrasound gel into tissues.
BACKGROUND
Anesthesiologists may insert needles through ultrasound gel when performing ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. In this study, it was determined whether needles carry gel into tissues.


METHODS
Ultrasound gel dyed blue was applied to pork rashers. Tuohy and short-bevel needles were passed through the gel and pork. The needles were then assessed for the presence of ultrasound gel.


RESULTS
All needles, including those with stylets, carried gel and tissue within the lumen.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound gel may be injected around (and perhaps in) nerves during regional anesthesia procedures. Studies are needed to determine the implications of this practice.
Belavy
David
D
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Level 4, Ned Hanlon Building, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Qld 4029, Australia. david@belavy.co
D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000818:Animals; D005782:Gels / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019300:Medical Errors; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013552:Swine; D014463:Ultrasonography
D005782:Gels