High-resolution ultrasound imaging guidance increases efficacy and safety of supraclavicular brachial plexus block

ABSTRACT

High frequency ultrasound [12 MHZ] imaging equipped with a digital linear scanhead offers excellent resolution of superficial structures during brachial plexus block. Ultrasound can be used to identify the brachial plexus before block, guide the block needle to reach the target nerves, and visualize the pattern of local anesthetic spread. In the present study we compared the state-of-the-art ultrasound technology for supraclavicular brachial plexus block with the classical technique that depended on the anatomical landmarks as regard efficacy, quality and safety. We found that ultrasonic guidance decreased the time to perform the block, shortened the onset of block, prolonged the duration of postoperative analgesia, increased the proportion of successful blocks, increased patient's satisfaction and reduced the incidence of complications than the classical method of supraclavicular blocks. High resolution ultrasound guided supraclavicular block is easier, more effective, of better quality, and safer than the classical block that depends on the anatomical landmarks