ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: When performing a nerve block, the needle is usually inserted using the in-plane approach. However, it is often difficult for beginners to insert the needle. We report good results obtained using the SIVA Guide® among junior residents with no experi- ence of performing nerve blocks. METHODS: Twenty-seven junior residents partici- pated in the study. They had no previous experience of performing an ultrasound-guided nerve block. Using a phantom, the time for needle insertion to the target item at shallow layer (2 cm) and the number of minor adjustments were measured. The SIVA Guide® was fitted and measurements were taken again in the same manner. Furthermore, the time to insertion to the tar- get item in a deep layer (4 cm) and number of minor adjustments were measured. The SIVA Guide® was then fitted and measurements were taken again in the same manner. RESULTS: For both shallow and deep punctures, insertion time and the number of repeated insertions significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the SIVA Guide® for nerve block beginners improves puncture time and the num- ber of repeated insertions, making it possible to safely perform the in-plane approach.
