Ultrasound-guided intercostal nerve cryoablation

Ultrasound technology has advanced regional anesthesia and pain management, by improving accuracy and reducing complication rates. We have successfully performed cryoablation of intercostal nerves with ultrasound guidance with no complications. Four patients with postthoracotomy pain syndrome had pain relief for at least 1 mo after selective cryoablation of intercostal nerves at the mid-axillary line. Visualizing the pleura during the procedure is the greatest benefit of using ultrasonography, especially in thin patients whose intercostal groove to pleural distance may be < 0.5 cm. Although further studies are needed, we feel that this new technique should reduce the risk of pneurnothorax as well as improve the success of cryoablation.