Thoracic paravertebral block using real-time ultrasound guidance.

BACKGROUND: We developed a technique for ultrasound-guided paravertebral block, which was subsequently applied in the clinical setting. METHODS: An initial cadaver study was used to develop a technique that was used in the clinical setting on patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. RESULTS: Paravertebral catheters were correctly placed in the cadaveric trial in 8 of 10 attempts. In the clinical study, all blocked patients (n = 9) had evidence of thoracic wall sensory block and analgesia postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Determined by anatomical dissection, we have described the ultrasound features of the thoracic paravertebral space and performed clinically successful ultrasound-guided paravertebral block.