Ultrasound Guidance for Nerve Blocks: Principles and Practical Implementation

Abstract

Abstract Ultrasonographic guidance for regional anaesthetic blocks is an innovative technique that allows for the direct visualization of nerves, adjacent structures and the position of the needle, as well as for the precise observation of the spread of local anaesthetic. The advantages of the technique allow for the exact administration of moderate volumes of local anaesthetic and for the avoidance of complications. Ultrasound guidance potentially represents a significant step forward in the field of regional anaesthesia, and is certain to become the "gold standard" technique for the administration of regional blocks in future. Written by Professor Peter Marhofer and other members of the Austrian Regional Anaesthesia Group, who have been instrumental in pioneering ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia techniques and introducing them into clinical practice over the past 15 years, this handbook summarizes the basics of ultrasound technology and provides an overview of the most recent techniques in blocking peripheral nerve structures. The book will focus on the use of ultrasonography for adult peripheral regional anaesthesia in daily clinical practice and will become required reading for anaesthesiologists and pain specialists with an interest in regional anaesthesia.