Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block: a preliminary study of feasibility

Objectives. - To assess the feasibility of neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance combination for infraclavicular brachial plexus block (ICB) technique. Study design. - Prospective study. Patients and methods. - Fifty consecutive patients scheduled for hand, forearm or elbow surgery were included. Methods. - A single stimulation lateral approach technique of ICB was performed. During the procedure, neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance were combined. The feasibility of ICB was assessed using a visual analogue scale. (VAS, 0: impossible, 100: very simple) for ultrasound anatomical structures identification (VAS(Anat)) and for block placement (VAS (Block)). The success rate of ICB block was noted. Results. - No patient required general anaesthesia conversion. Median VAS +/- SD of YAS(Anat) and VAS(Block) were of 84 +/- 15 and 96 +/- 7, respectively. Success rate of ICB was 96%. No specific complication of ICB technique was noted. Conclusion. - Combination of neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance is feasible. Combination of neurostimulation and ultrasound guidance secured ICB. Ultrasound-evidenced spread of local anaesthetics increased the success rate of ICB. (c) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reservos.