title: Effect of nerve localization using a pen device on the success of axillary brachial plexus block.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effectiveness of axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) performed using peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) alone was compared with PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device, enabling nerve mapping without puncturing the skin.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients undergoing unilateral hand or forearm surgery suitable for ABPB were randomly assigned to receive either PNS alone (pen - group) or PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device (pen + group). Parameters related to the block procedure and patient comfort were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty patients were included in each group. The block performance time was longer in the pen + group than the pen - group despite a reduced number of needle insertions. The complete block rate was higher and intraoperative analgesic usage lower in the pen + group compared with the pen - group. Patient satisfaction and complication rates were similar in the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The pen device seems to be a helpful addition to PNS for ABPB, with improved results in terms of block success and patient comfort, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Seçkin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saracoglu
authors.forename: Zekiye
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Bigat
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ertugrul
authors.forename: Bilge
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Karsli
authors.forename: Nurten
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kayacan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001917:Brachial Plexus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Anaesthesia; axillary block; percutaneous nerve localization; peripheral neural stimulation; regional