2. Outlines
General description of each nerves
Indications
Landmarks
Preparation
Needle
Depth
Directions
Volume of LAs
Technique
Side effects & Complications
1/4/2018
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3. The Brachial Plexus
Supplies all of the motor and almost all of the
sensory function of the upper extremity.
The plexus is formed from the anterior
primary rami of the fifth cervical to the first
thoracic roots.
Contributions may also be received from C4
to T2.
Blockade of the brachial plexus can provide
surgical anesthesia of the hands, upper/lower
arm, and shoulder depending on the
approach.
1/4/2018
3
4. Major Motor Function of the Individual
Nerves of the Brachial Plexus
Nerve Major Motor Function
Axillary Abduction of the shoulder
Musculocutaneous Flexion of the elbow
Radial Extension of the elbow, wrist, &
finger
Median Flexion of the wrist & finger
Ulnar Flexion of the wrist & finger
1/4/2018
4
8. These nerves (C5 -
T1) leave
intervertebral foramina
- Root
Trunk-they unite to
form three trunks
between the anterior
and middle scalene
muscles.
Upper, middle, and
The Brachial Plexus….
8
9. At the first rib each
trunk will separate
into anterior and
posterior divisions.
As the brachial
plexus emerges
under the clavicle,
the anterior and
posterior divisions
come together to
The Brachial Plexus….The Brachial Plexus….
9
10. The lateral cord is lateral
to the axillary artery;
The posterior cord is
located posterior to the
axillary artery; and
The medial cord is located
medial to the axillary artery.
At the lateral border of the
pectoralis minor muscle,
each cord divides into
branches, terminating in
The Brachial Plexus….The Brachial Plexus….
1/4/2018
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11. Techniques and use of brachial plexus
The brachial plexus is
enveloped by a facial
sheath which allows for
the administration of
brachial plexus
anesthesia.
Injection into the sheath,
at any anatomical point,
will allow for the spread of
local anesthetics and
subsequent blockade.
Choice of a specific
1/4/2018
11
16. Interscalene approach: Anatomy:
Cervical nerves (C5-T1) course antero-
laterally and inferiorly to lie between the
anterior scalene and the middle scalene
muscles.
The prevertebral fascia covers both the
scalene muscles fusing laterally to
enclose the brachial plexus in a fascia
sheath. 1/4/2018
16
17. Brachial Plexus Anatomy
Interscalene
block
At level of
Distal Roots/
Proximal
Trunks
1/4/2018
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18. Anatomy
- Nerves lie in the
Interscalene groove
Between anterior and
middle scalene
muscles
Posterior/Lateral to
Sternocleidomastoid
muscle (clavicular
head)
- Posterior to Phrenic
Nerve
1/4/2018
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19. Anatomy…
Vertebral artery
(VA) is medial to
the anterior
scalene muscle
(AS)
Phrenic nerve (PN)
overlies the
anterior scalene
muscle.
C5 and C6 nerve
roots join to form 1/4/2018
19
21. Interscalene nerve block
Between the scalene muscles, these
nerve roots unite to form three trunks,
which emerge from the interscalene
grove.
To lie cephaloposterior to the subclavian
artery as it courses along the upper
surface of the first rib.
1/4/2018
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22. Indications of interscalene
block
Surgery of
Shoulder
Distal clavicle
Proximal Humerus
Elbow
Open shoulder
surgery
Arthroscopic surgery
1/4/2018
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23. Interscalene nerve block...
Landmarks
Posterior boarder of SCM
Upper border of Cricoid cartilage
Subclavian artery - above the clavicle
external jugular vein
interscalene groove.
1/4/2018
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24. Interscalene nerve block
:Equipments
All resuscitation materials (GA)
Syringes: two 10mls or 20mls
Antiseptic solution
Nerve stimulator
50mm -insulated needle (depth=35-
50mm)
1/4/2018
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26. Interscalene nerve block :
Techniques
The patient should be supine, with one
small pillow under their head and neck.
The head should be turned comfortably to
the opposite side.
At the level of the cricoid cartilage draw a
line laterally to intersect the posterior
border of the sternocleidomastoid; this
usually corresponds to where the external
jugular vein crosses.
1/4/2018
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27. Palpate the scalene anterior underneath
the lateral border of the sternomastoid.
Moving the fingers laterally, palpate the
interscalene groove, between the
scalenus anterior and medius.
To aid palpation ask the patient to their
lift head gently off the pillow (contracting
the sternomastoid) or sniff (contracting
scalene muscles).
Interscalene nerve block :
Techniques
1/4/2018
27
28. Stand to the side of patient or at their
head, raise a weal and insert a 22G 25
mm/50 mm needle of choice
perpendicular to the skin in all directions
with a slight caudad direction.
On entering the prevertebral fascia sheath
a pop may be elicited; advance until
paraesthesia or specific motor stimulation
is achieved (peripheral nerve stimulation).
After careful aspiration inject 10–20 ml for
Interscalene nerve block :
Techniques
1/4/2018
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31. 31
1. Cricoid cartilage 4. Puncture site for anterior access
2. Superior thyroid notch 5. Vertical, infraclavicular puncture site
3. SCM
Meier’s approach
32. Nerve Stimulator
Technique
Roll fingers
posteriorly off
lateral border of
SCM muscle
Palpate
Interscalene
Groove between
two fingers
Beware of
nearby External1/4/2018
32
33. Nerve Stimulator
Technique
Insert needle
slightly posterior
and caudad.
Watch for twitches
of bicep, tricep,
forearm, or hand
Diaphram twitch=
phrenic nerve=too
anterior.
nerve block vedio
1/4/2018
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35. Supraclavicular approach:
Anatomy
The subclavian perivascular block is a
supraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus.
Aiming to anaesthetise the 3 trunks of the
brachial plexus as they cross the first rib rather
than the nerve roots as they emerge between
the scalene muscles.
This is the point at which the brachial plexus is
more compact.
As a result it is possible to block the majority of
the brachial plexus with one injection and with
the lowest volume of local anaesthetic.1/4/2018
35
37. The first rib runs approximately antero -
posteriorly at the point where the trunks of the
brachial plexus cross it.
The plexus crosses the first rib between the
insertions of the anterior scalene muscle (in
front) and the middle scalene muscle (behind).
The brachial plexus lies posterior to the
subclavian artery.
The lower trunk may lie under the subclavian
artery.
The subclavian vein is anterior to the anterior1/4/2018
37
Supraclavicular approach:
Anatomy
38. Indications:
Humeral, elbow, fore-arm and hand surgery:
areas supplied by the median and radial nerves,
and the lateral and posterior cutaneous nerves
of fore-arm.
Possibly not the logical choice for surgery
confined to the medial side of the elbow, wrist
and hand, or the little finger (5% failure to block
1/4/2018
38
40. Techniques
Patient lying flat, and the head turned 30o to the
opposite side.
Identify the interscalene groove and follow the
groove down to the root of the neck.
Palpate the subclavian artery and insert the
needle at the lowest point of the interscalene
groove in the posterior part of the groove, and
posterior to the subclavian artery if palpable.
1/4/2018
40
42. Puncture site:
Immediate dorso-lateral
from the palpated
pulsation of the
subclavian artery and1
cm behind the midpoint of
the clavicle.
Paresthesia will usually
be immediately elicited.
If no paresthesia assess
up to the first rib.
Techniques
1/4/2018
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43. If no paraesthesiae or twitch are elicited,
withdraw the needle almost to skin and redirect
gently more anteriorly or posteriorly.
If accidental arterial puncture -move needle
posteriorly.
If you contact 1st rib -walk anterio-posteriorly
along rib.
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Techniques...
44. 44
Stimulation:
Flexion or extension of wrist and fingers
Dose: 0.5ml/kg to 40mls
Side effects:
Horner’s syndrome
RLN block
Complications:
Vascular puncture
Inadvertent intravascular injection
Pneumothorax 1/4/2018
45. Infraclavicular approach
It is most useful for patients undergoing
procedures on the elbow, forearm, or hand
Plain bupivacaine produce surgical
anesthesia lasting 4 to 6 hours
the addition of epinephrine may
prolong this period to 8 to 12 hours
Thus the technique can substitute for an
axillary block in patients who cannot
abduct their arms
1/4/2018
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47. Infraclavicular approach:
Anatomy
Boundaries of the infraclavicular fossa are:
Pectoralis major and minor muscles
anteriorly
Ribs medially
Clavicle and coracoid process superiorly &
Humerus laterally.
The plexus is approached in close proximity
1/4/2018
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51. Techniques:
Patient is supine, the
ipsilateral arm is
abducted {not
necessary} and the
head is turned to the
opposite side.
Acromion process -
the most prominent
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52. Techniques:
Mark the midpoint of the
clavicle between the
acromion and the sternal
head of the clavicle.
Insert needle vertically -
2.5 -3cm below the
midpoint of the clavicle
along the axillary artery. 1/4/2018
52
56. Advantages of the
infraclavicular vertical brachial
plexus block
Clearly defined guide points - clearly
defined puncture direction
Simple to learn - high success rate
No anaesthetic gaps resulting from the
procedure
No problems with the Esmarch tourniquet
Comfortable positioning of the patient
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57. Side effects/complications
Horner syndrome
Vessel puncture (cephalic vein, subclavian
artery and vein and their branches)
Pneumothorax
Inadvertent intravascular injection
1/4/2018
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58. Axillary nerve block
The most commonly practiced block.
For surgical procedures from the elbow to
the hand.
There is intense blockade of C7-T1 (forearm
and hand surgery).
Not adequate for the shoulder and upper arm
(C5-6).
Easy to perform and has few complications.
Axillary brachial plexus block is most
effective for surgical procedures distal to the1/4/2018
58
60. The plexus runs from the neck to the axilla
passing between the clavicle and the first
rib.
The cords form the nerves to the arm - the
median, ulnar, radial and the
musculocutaneous nerve.
Alongside the axillary artery runs the
1/4/2018
60
Axillary nerve block...
61. Anatomic consideration
Beneath the clavicle, the subclavian artery
becomes the axillary artery.
Behind the clavicle, at the apex of the
axilla the brachial plexus splits from upper,
middle, and lower trunks into anterior and
posterior divisions.
The anterior and posterior divisions travel
to the lateral border of the pectoralis minor
and form the lateral, posterior, and medial
cords. 1/4/2018
61
62. 1/4/2018
62
The cords split to form individual nerves
that innervate the arm.
Other branches of the plexus arise from
the neck and axilla, directly from the roots,
trunks, and cords.
Knowledge of where each individual nerve
is located within the sheath is important.
The median nerve is superior to the axillary artery.
The ulnar nerve is inferior to the axillary artery.
The radial nerve is inferior and posterior to the axillary artery.
The musculocutaneous nerve has already separated from the brachial
plexus, traveling within the coracobrachialis muscle.
Anatomic consideration….
63. Indications
Elbow, forearm and hand surgery
Operations in the arm (distal upper arm, lower
arm, hand)
Continuous analgesia
Pain syndrome
Sympathicolysis
Musculocutaneous nerve can not be blocked b/c it
always lies outside the sheath ( b/n biceps and
coracobrachialis muscle), because it leaves the
lateral cord before the cords enter the axilla.
1/4/2018
63
64. Landmarks
Axillary artery pulse :
most important
landmark.
Median nerve
superior, ulnar nerve
inferior, and the
radial nerve is
posterior and lateral.
Insertion of major
pectoralis muscle
Coracobrachialis
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64
66. Equipments:
Resuscitation materials ( GA)
Anti-septic solution and infiltrate needle
insertion site.
25-50mm insulated needle
Nerve stimulator
Dose: single injection:0.5ml/kg up to
50mls. 1/4/2018
66
67. 1. The patient lies supine with the arm
extended 90 degrees from the side &
flexed at the elbow
Extension beyond 90 degrees potentially
compresses the axillary artery because
of the pressure from the head of the
humerus & may make identification of
the landmarks more difficult
Techniques
:
1/4/2018
67
68. Techniques....
1/4/2018
68
2. Axillary artery is marked as high in its
course in the axilla as is practical.
Usually felt in the intramuscular groove
between the coracobrachialis & triceps
muscles
Also passes between the insertions of the
pectoralis major & latissimus dorsi muscles on
the humerus.
70. Techniques....
3. After aseptic preparation, a skin wheal is
raised over the proximal portion of the artery
Index & middle fingers of the nondominant
hand straddle the artery just below this point,
both localizing the pulsation & compressing
the neurovascular bundle below the intended
site of injection.
1/4/2018
70
71. 1/4/2018
71
At this point raise a weal, and fixing the
artery against the humerus with the index
and middle fingers insert a 22G 50 mm
needle angled slightly proximally to pass
either above or below the artery to contact
either median or ulnar nerve respectively.
A perceptible click or pop is felt on
entering the fascial sheath, and
paraesthesia or specific motor responses
can be elicited.
nerve block vedio
Techniques....
72. 1/4/2018
72
Needle; 22-25G/25-50mm
insulated/uninsulated.
Direction; 45° to the skin, proximally
Depth; 10-15mm
Volume; single injection: 0.5ml/kg up to
50mls.
Inject 40-50ml of LA increments.
LA; 1% Lidocaine, 1% Prilocaine
0.25%-0.5% Levobupivacaine
Techniques....
73. Axillary nerve block: Different
techniques
Four different techniques can be
employed:
Transarterial; injecting 20 ml of solution both
anterior and posterior to the artery.
Multiple injections; finding each of the four
nerves separately, the success of the block
being increased when each successive
nerve is identified.
Single loss of resistance using a short
bevelled needle; fascial click, injecting after
either through the needle or after insertion of
a cannula.
Infiltration; fanwise injection of 15 ml of1/4/2018
73
74. Multiple injections:
Around each individual nerve is most
reliable.
It may require less volume(7-10ml each
nerve).
But the minimum required dose/volume
per nerve is not well known .
Nerve & vascular injury?
1/4/2018
74
75. Stimulations:
Index or middle finger flexion -median
nerve
Thumb abduction or little finger flexion –
ulnar
Thumb extension –radial
Elbow flexion –musculocutaneous nerve
1/4/2018
75
76. Clinical tips
1/4/2018
76
Single injection almost always misses two
nerves from getting blocked.
The musculo-cutaneous nerve: which
supplies the lateral side of the forearm. It is
important to inject as high as possible in the
axilla in order to block this nerve. If it has not
been blocked, inject 5ml of local anaesthetic
solution at a point 2.5cm distal to the elbow
crease and lateral to the biceps tendon.
The intercostobrachial nerve: which
supplies the medial half of the upper arm.
This is blocked by injecting the last few ml of
local anaesthetic as the needle is withdrawn.
77. Complications:
Block failure
Bleeding and haematoma
Inadvertent vascular injection
Toxicity due to absorption of LA
Infection
Nerve damage
1/4/2018
77
78. Elbow block
In general, distal upper extremity blocks—
those at the elbow or wrist—are not
frequently required if facility with more
proximal blocks is gained.
These more distal peripheral blocks are
perceived to be associated with a slightly
higher likelihood of nerve injury.
Nerve is contained within bony and ligamentous
surroundings
Augmentation of higher brachial plexus1/4/2018
78
79. Anatomy
The ulnar nerve is located in the ulnar
groove, which is a bony fascial canal
between the medial epicondyle of the
humerus and the olecranon process.
The median nerve at the elbow lies
medial to the brachial artery, which lies
just medial to the biceps muscle.
The radial nerve pierces the lateral
intramuscular septum on its way to the
forearm, and lies between the brachialis
muscle and the brachioradialis muscle1/4/2018
79
81. Position
All three of these nerves are blocked with
the patient in the supine position and the
arm supinated and abducted at the
shoulder at a 90-degree angle.
1/4/2018
81
82. Indication and landmarks
1/4/2018
82
Indications
Elbow blocks are indicated for surgery on
the forearm and hand.
Landmarks:
flexion crease of the elbow, brachial
artery, biceps tendon, medial and lateral
epicondyles.
In all cases the arm should be slightly
abducted with the elbow slightly flexed,
the forearm supinated.
83. Blockade of median nerve
At the elbow, the
median nerve is
located medial to the
brachial artery near
the insertion of the
biceps tendon.
1/4/2018
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84. Blockade of median nerve
Identify the brachial artery in the
antecubital space.
It is generally located medially, at
the biceps tendon insertion.
Insert a 22-27 gauge, 4 cm blunted
needle medial to the brachial
artery. Direct the needle toward the
medial epicondyle.
A click may be felt as the
needle pierces the deep fascia,
and paraesthesia or a motor
response elicited.
Continue insertion of the needle
until bone is contacted.
At this point withdraw the needle 1
cm and inject 3-5 ml of local
anesthetic.
1/4/2018
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86. Radial nerve block
Block of the radial nerve
provides anesthesia to the
lateral aspect of the
dorsum of the hand
(thumb side) and the
proximal portion of the
thumb, index, middle, and
lateral half of the ring
fingers.
1/4/2018
86
87. Blockade of the Radial Nerve
Identify the lateral aspect of the biceps
tendon at the crease of the elbow.
Insert a 22-27 gauge, 4 cm blunted needle
parallel to the forearm.
Direct the needle toward the lateral
epicondyle.
If a paresthesia is encountered, withdraw
the needle slightly, and inject 5 ml of local
anesthetic. Do not inject if the patient
complains of a paresthesia. If no paresthesia
is encountered, continue to insert the needle
until bone is encountered.
Withdraw the needle 1 cm and inject 5 ml of
local anesthetic.
1/4/2018
87
88. Ulnar nerve block
Used to supplement a patchy
axillary or interscalene block
or for minor surgical
procedures in the distribution
of the ulnar nerve.
At the elbow, the ulnar nerve
can be palpated proximal to
the medial epicondyle.
1/4/2018
88
90. Blockade of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow
To anesthetize the ulnar nerve at
the elbow, have the patient flex
their arm 90 degrees.
Identify the olecranon process
and the medial condyle.
The ulnar nerve can be palpated
between these two structures.
Insert a 22-27 gauge blunted
needle slowly in this space.
The ulnar nerve will be
superficial.
If a paresthesia is obtained,
withdraw the needle slightly and
inject 3-5 ml of local anesthetic.
If no paresthesia, then
superficially infiltrate the area
with local anesthetic.
1/4/2018
90
91. Needle Puncture: Ulnar Nerve
Block
At a point approximately 1 cm proximal
to a line drawn between the olecranon
process and the medial epicondyle, a
small-gauge, 2-cm needle is inserted
A parasthesia should be easily
obtainable, and once it is, the needle is
withdrawn 1 mm, and 3 to 5 mL of local
anesthetic is injected through the needle
1/4/2018
91
92. Ulnar Nerve Block
A larger volume of solution should not
be injected directly into the ulnar groove
because high pressure in this tightly
contained fascial space may increase
the risk of nerve injury
1/4/2018
92
94. Wrist block
1/4/2018
94
Wrist block is a technique for blocking
branches of the ulnar, medial, and radial
nerves at the level of wrist.
It is simple to perform and devoid of
systemic complications and highly
effective for variety of procedures on the
hand and fingers.
Wrist block can be used in outpatient
setting, office setting, emergency setting
for repair of hand injuries in emergency
95. Indications and landmarks
1/4/2018
95
Indications:
Carpal tunnel and hand surgery
Finger surgery
Landmarks:
Palmaris longus
Flexor carpi radialis
Ulnar artery
Flexor carpi ulnaris
Radial styloid
97. Blockade of the Radial Nerve
at the Wrist
At the wrist, the radial nerve is located
between the radial artery and flexor
carpi radialis tendon.
The administration of 2-5 ml of local
anesthetic, deep to the flexor carpi
radialis will block the sensory branches
of the radial nerve which innervate the
lateral side of the thumb.
Proximal to the wrist, dorsal branches
of the radial nerve provide sensation to
the dorsal aspect of the lateral three and
half fingers. This branch can be blocked
by placing a superficial field block at
the wrist.
1/4/2018
97
98. Blockade of the Median Nerve at
the Wrist
Identify the Palmaris longus tendon and
flexor carpi radialis by asking the patient
to flex their wrist against resistance.
It is marked at the proximal flexion
crease.
Insert a 25G 25 mm needle between the
tendons of the Palmaris longus and
flexor carpi radialis at the level of the
proximal palmar crease and 3–5 mL of
anesthetic is injected.
If a paresthesia is encountered, withdraw
the needle slightly and inject 3-5 ml of
local anesthetic.
If no paresthesia is encountered, infiltrate
the area with 3-5 ml of local anesthetic.
98
99. Blockade of the Ulnar Nerve
at the Wrist
The ulnar nerve, at the wrist, is located
lateral to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon
and medial to the ulnar artery.
Locate the pulsation of the ulnar artery
on the palmar surface of the wrist.
Insert a 22-27 gauge blunted needle on
the medial side of the arterial pulsation.
The ulnar nerve is superficial.
If a paresthesia is obtained, pull back
slightly and inject 3-5 ml of local
anesthetic.
If there is not a paresthesia, infiltrate
the area with local anesthetic.
1/4/2018
99
100. Digital nerve block
1/4/2018
100
Indications:
Surgery distal to the base of proximal
phalanx.
Landmarks:
Base of proximal phalanx
Technique:
Dorsal injection
On the dorsolateral aspect of finger
At the base of proximal phalanx
101. Digital nerve block…
1/4/2018
101
Palpate the metacarpophalangeal joint
and insert a 25G 25 mm needle
perpendicular to the skin just distal to
the joint.
Advance the needle towards the palmar
surface, injecting 3 ml on each side of
the phalanx.
Insert a 25G 25 mm needle into the web
space to a depth of 2 cm, injecting 5 ml
of solution into each space; massage
102. Digital nerve block….
These nerve blocks are used for minor
operations on the fingers and to supplement
brachial plexus blocks.
Each digit has two dorsal and two palmar
branches of the digital nerve.
A 23- to 25-gauge needle is inserted at the
medial and lateral aspects of the base of the
selected digit.
A total of 2–3 mL of local anesthetic without
epinephrine is injected on each side near the
periosteum.
Addition of a vasoconstrictor (epinephrine)
can seriously compromise blood flow to the
digit.
Never administer more than 4 ml of total
volume per digit. 1/4/2018
102
103. anesthesia (IVRA)
Bier's
block
1/4/2018
103
This simple method of providing
anesthesia of the distal arm or leg was
first described by August Bier in 1808.
Indications
(IVRA) is indicated for any procedure on
the arm below the elbow or leg below the
knee that will be completed within 40-60
minutes.
Its use is limited to procedures lasting less
than an hour because of increasing
105. Contraindications
Reynaud’s disease
Homozygous sickle cell disease(the
tourniquet can precipitate a sickling crisis)
Crush injuries
Young Children
Adrenaline in the LAs can cause gangrene of
the extremities
Must have a reliable/operative tourniquet! If
this can not be guaranteed then this
technique should not be used due to risk of
toxicity! 1/4/2018
105
106. Conditions
1.Surgical procedures involving the arm
below the elbow.
2.Surgical procedures involving the leg
below the knee.
Ensure that the patient has been fasting
for an appropriate period of time.
107. Equipments
A standard regional anesthesia tray is
prepared with the following equipment:
22-gauge intravenous catheter
Esmarch bandage
Double cuff tourniquet
20 mL syringes with LA
Pressure source
Resuscitation equipment
Running IV in non-operative arm
108. Local Anesthetic Choice
1/4/2018
108
Many local anesthetic agents have been used
for IVRA.
However, because of side effects (e.g.,
Chloroprocaine: venous thrombosis; Prilocaine:
methemoglobinemia; Bupivacaine:
cardiotoxicity) should use cautiously.
Lidocaine is currently the local anesthetic of
choice in a usual concentration of 0.5% with
volumes, in adults, of 30 mL (upper extremity
forearm tourniquet) and 50 mL (upper extremity
arm tourniquet or lower extremity leg
109. Local Anesthetic Choice…
1/4/2018
109
It is essential that plain and not adrenaline-
containing solutions are used.
Bupivacaine is not suitable and should never be
employed as it is too toxic, particularly to the
myocardium.
A suitable dose to use in an arm is 40ml of 0.5%
Prilocaine (or 0.5% lignocaine).
This can be increased to 50ml in muscular
individuals or decreased to 30ml in small or frail
patients. Larger volumes are necessary in the leg
e.g. 50-60ml.
Maximum recommended volumes for a 60-70 kg
patient are 400mg Prilocaine (80ml 0.5% solution)
or 250mg lignocaine (50ml 0.5% solution).
110. 1. Premedicate the patient appropriately.
2. A small IV intravenous catheter (e.g, 22-
gauge) is introduced in the dorsum of the
patient's hand of the arm to be
anesthetized. The patient is in the supine
position.
Technique
111. 3. A tourniquet is
placed on the proximal
arm of the extremity to
be blocked. We use a
"double cuff" to increase
the reliability of the
technique and help reduce
the tourniquet pressure pain.
Inflate the cuff to 100 mm/Hg above the systolic
blood pressure. Clamp the cuff to prevent
leakage.
Techniques
112. Techniques
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4. Insert an indwelling cannula on the side
opposite that to be blocked as distally as
possible.
5. Monitor the blood pressure on the side
opposite that to be blocked. Use pulse
oximetry and ECG if available.
5. Insert an indwelling needle (scalp vein
needle or cannula 21G) and secure it with
a piece of strapping.
113. 6. Apply wide
Esmarch rubber
bandage to
complete the
exsanguination
of the extremity.
Techniques
114. 7. Elevate arm to
promote venous
drainage. The
Esmarch is then
unwrapped and the
extremity is checked
for color (pale skin)
and arterial
occlusion
(absence of the radial
Techniques
115. 6.The extremity is then lowered and the
local anesthetic is slowly injected
through the previously inserted IV
catheter.
Techniques
116. Rules for deflating the cuff:
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It is advisable to wait 20 minutes after the injection
of the lignocaine before the cuff is deflated. Then
the cuff can be deflated in one step, over 2-3
minutes.
If the cuff has to be deflated before the 20 minutes
are up, the deflation must be done in steps, i.e.
deflate quickly and then inflate again. This must
be done several times before the cuff is finally
deflated.
Always watch the patient very carefully for the
next 15 minutes after deflation of the cuff for signs
of toxicity of the local anaesthetic solution.
It is important not to leave the tourniquet on for
117. If use double tourniquet on the operative
arm.
Proximal Cuff
Distal Cuff
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Technique….
118. Technique
Have patient hold arm
up.
Use Eschmark to
exsanguinate the arm
Exsanguinate the arm
from distal to
proximal.
Inflate the proximal
tourniquet to 150
mmHg over the1/4/2018
118
119. 1/4/2018
119
Confirm the absence of a radial pulse.
Inject your local (0.5% Lidocaine or
Prilocaine in a dose of 3 mg/kg).
Remove IV catheter, hold pressure and
have OR staff prep arm. Onset of
anesthesia should occur in 5 minutes.
When the patient complains of pain you
can inflate the distal tourniquet and then
deflate the proximal tourniquet
Technique….
120. Minimum time for tourniquet
inflation
The tourniquet should be up for at least 25
minutes…releasing it before this may
result in toxicity.
Releasing the tourniquet in cyclic
deflations (10 second intervals) will
decrease peak levels of local anesthetic.
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121. If the operation is prolonged, the patient may
complain of pain due to pressure from the
tourniquet. This may be reduced either by the
subcutaneous infiltration of a few mls of local
anesthetic above the tourniquet or by the use of a
"double tourniquet technique”.
At the end of the procedure, the tourniquet is
deflated and normal sensation quickly returns.
The tourniquet is reinflated again 20-30 seconds.
Post procedure
122. Advantages of the Bier Block
Easy to administer
Low incidence of block failure
Safe technique when used appropriately
Rapid onset and recovery
Patient is awake during procedure.
Controllable extent of anesthesia.
123. Disadvantages of the Bier Block
Should be used for only short procedures
Patient may experience tourniquet pain
after 20-30 minutes
Sudden cardiovascular collapse or
seizures may occur if local anesthetic is
released into the circulation too early.
Lose pulse
Rapid recovery may lead to postoperative
pain
Difficulty in providing a bloodless field
124. Complications
1. Tourniquet discomfort
2. Rapid return of sensation after tourniquet
release and subsequent surgical pain.
3. Toxic reactions from malfunctioning
tourniquets or deflating the tourniquet prior
to the 25 minute limit.
4. Toxicity of local anesthetics
Signs and symptoms may include nausea,
vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus, funny
sensation around the mouth, loss of
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125. Local Anesthetic Toxicity
Management
Use the A, B, C’s for the management
of local anesthetic toxicity.
A= airway. administer 100% oxygen.
B= breathing. May need to assist the
patient with positive pressure
ventilation or intubation.
C= circulation. Check for a pulse..
Complications...
126. Drugs
1.Prilocaine
It is least toxic
largest therapeutic index.
One complication is methemoglobinemia .
Prilocaine is metabolized to o-toluidine
derivatives, which converts hemoglobin to
methemoglobin.
Onset 2 - 15minute and duration 1 – 4hours.
2.Bupivacaine
not suitable
it is too toxic, particularly to the myocardium.
Slower onset .
127. 3.Lignocaine/Lidocaine
Acceptable alternative or drug of
choice.
Onset 1.5 - 5minute and duration 1 –
3hours.
Dosage
The arm dosage can be: 30-40 ml of
0.5% Prilocaine or 0.5 % Lidocaine.
In leg, larger volumes 50-60 ml.
Drugs …
128. Conclusion
IVRA is a simple and valuable technique
that is easy to learn and perform. It is very
safe provided excessive doses of local
anesthetic are avoided, if the tourniquet
pressure is carefully monitored and if
resuscitation equipment is always
immediately available.
129. References
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1. Miller 7th edition
2. Sobotta: atlas of human anatomy
3. Myoclinical analgesia pathway & PNB
4. The abbott pocket guide to practical peripheral
nerve block
5. Barash,6th edition
6. Peripheral regional anaesthesia: Tutorial in Ulm
rehabilitation hospital.
7. Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Color Atlas, 3rd ed.
8. Text book of regional Anaesthesia and acute
pain management.
9. Oxford hand book of anaesthesia.
- Horner's syndrome - a syndrome marked by sinking in of the eyeball, contraction of the pupil, drooping of the upper eyelid, and vasodilation and anhidrosis of the face, and caused by paralysis of the cervical sympathetic nerve fibers on the affected side.
Horner’s Syndrome= Ptosis, Miosis,,,
-Phrenic Nerve Block = diaphragm, Dyspnea ,,, Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Block=Hoarseness,,,, Vascular Puncture(Several nearby vessels): Carotid, Vertebral Artery