Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Research Articles

Effect of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine block on flap blood flow and patient satisfaction after flap transfer for hand trauma: a randomized controlled trial.

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Supraclavicular versus infraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Clavicular brachial plexus blocks are a popular method to provide analgesia in upper limb surgery. Two common approaches include the infraclavicular (IC) and supraclavicular (SC) blocks. These two techniques have been compared previously; however, it is still being determined from the current literature whether one should be favoured. A search was performed on the following databases: Ovid Medline, EMBASE and the Web of Science from inception until 30.04.2023. All RCTs comparing SC and IC approaches in upper limb orthopaedic surgery were included. The primary outcome was block success rate. Eighteen RCTs comprising 1389 patients were included. The success rate of IC blocks was higher than SC blocks, odds ratio 0.61 (95% CI 0.41-0.91, p = 0.01). A small number of studies reported on secondary outcomes. A reduced rate of Horner's syndrome was observed in the IC group. Otherwise, no difference was noted between the approaches in terms of procedure time, sensory onset time, patient satisfaction, pain and vascular puncture. IC blocks demonstrate a higher success rate over SC blocks. Across all studies a large variance in outcome reporting and definitions was observed. Future studies should conform to an agreed definition set to facilitate comparison.

Ultrasound guided supraclavicular block versus combined infraclavicular and Suprascapular block: A randomized controlled trial

The infraclavicular block (ICB) can avoid some of the side effects of the supraclavicular block (SCB) like hemi-diaphragmatic palsy. This study aimed to analyze the comparative efficacy of supraclavicular block versus combined infraclavicular block and suprascapular block.Patients undergoing upper limb surgery under general anaesthesia were randomized into group S (to receive supraclavicular brachial plexus block) and group I (to receive infraclavicular brachial plexus block and suprascapular nerve block). Onset times and the duration of both sensory and motor block was noted in both the groups. Postoperative pain as assessed by NRS score and total fentanyl requirement was noted for 24 hours. : The group S showed a significantly faster onset of both sensory (8.47±3.12) vs. 13.75±4.69; p<0.001) and motor blocks (15.56±5.32 vs. 24.17±5.67; p<0.001). The duration of sensory block was significantly greater in the group I, with no significant difference in the duration of motor block.We also noted hemi diaphragmatic paresis (27.8%) and paralysis (8.3%) only in the SCB group.For the patients undergoing upper limb surgeries, the use of ICB+SSB block as compared to the SCB block resulted in increased duration of sensory block; however, the fentanyl consumption was not significantly reduced.

Comparing the clinical features of lateral and medial approaches of costoclavicular technique versus traditional lateral sagittal technique as infraclavicular brachial plexus block methods: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIt is aimed to compare the block onset times and performance features of costoclavicular techniques (medial and lateral approach) versus lateral sagittal technique.MethodsPatients were randomized into three groups. For costoclavicular techniques, ultrasound probe was placed parallel to clavicle obtaining nerve cords, axillary artery and axillary vein visual from lateral-to-medial, respectively. The block needle was advanced from lateral (Group CLB) or medial (Group CMB) to perform costoclavicular block. For lateral sagittal technique (Group LSB), ultrasound probe was placed sagittal and perpendicular below the coracoid process to obtain sagittal artery image with the cords around. Total 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 10 ml of 2% lidocaine were deposited for all groups. Sensory and motor block onset times, block performance properties, complications, and patient/surgeon satisfactions were investigated.ResultsAmong 56 patients, the primary outcome, sensory block onset time was shorter in Group CLB than Group CMB and Group LSB (10 [5–15], 10 [10–20], and 15 [10–15] minutes, respectively, p < 0.05). Motor block onset was also fastest in Group CLB (15 [10–20] mins for CLB, 20 [15–20] mins for LSB, and 22.5 [15–25] mins for CMB, p = 0.004). Block performance properties did not differ between the groups. The only complication observed was vascular puncture with an incidence of 28% in Group CMB.ConclusionsLateral approach costoclavicular technique provides fastest block onset than the other techniques. Considering the success and safety profile, this technique stands as a good alternative in clinical practice.Trial registrationThis study is prospectively registered to clinicaltrials.gov on 20/02/2022 (NCT05260736).

Comparison of the Onset Time between 0.25% Bupivacaine and 0.5% Bupivacaine for Ultrasound‑Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Comparison of the Onset Time between 0.25% Bupivacaine and 0.5% Bupivacaine for Ultrasound‑Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Costoclavicular versus lateral sagittal infraclavicular brachial plexus block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing upper limb orthopaedic surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

Perineural catheters inserted through the costoclavicular (CC) technique of infraclavicular brachial plexus are helpful for postoperative analgesia. This trial compared postoperative local anaesthetic (LA) consumption in an ultrasound (US)-guided perineural catheter inserted by the CC technique with the conventional lateral sagittal (LS) technique. Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I/II patients scheduled for upper limb orthopaedic surgery were randomly assigned to receive a perineural catheter by either the CC technique (Group CC) or LS technique (Group LS). Postoperatively, all patients received patient-controlled regional analgesia (PCRA): bolus-only regime with 0.125% bupivacaine 6 ml and a lock-out interval of 20 minutes. The primary outcome was the 24 h LA consumption. The secondary outcomes were time of activation of PCRA, pain scores, patient satisfaction scores, and block-related complications. Categorical variables are presented as frequency, while continuous variables are expressed as mean [standard deviation (SD)] or median [interquartile range (IQR)]. An independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare these continuous variables. A P value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Patients in Group CC required less LA 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.001) and more time to activate PCRA (P = 0.003). The mean 24 h LA requirement was 83.35 (SD: 31.92) in Group CC as compared to 121.40 (SD: 48.51) ml in Group LS. They also reported better satisfaction scores (P = 0.001). Pain scores were comparable at all time points. Postoperatively, one patient in Group CC complained of paraesthesia, which subsided on removal of the catheter. Patients receiving post-operative analgesia by the CC catheter require lesser 24 h LA and report better satisfaction than those receiving analgesia through the LS technique.

Comparison of Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Para-Vascular Approach and Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in providing Surgical Anesthesia for Below Elbow Operation

Comparison of Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Para-Vascular Approach and Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in providing Surgical Anesthesia for Below Elbow Operation

Anatomical Studies Evaluating Pediatric Regional Anesthesia: A Scoping Review

Background: Pediatric regional anesthesia has been driven by the gradual rise in the adoption of opioid-sparing strategies and the growing concern over the possible adverse effects of general anesthetics on neurodevelopment. Nonetheless, performing regional anesthesia studies in a pediatric population is challenging and accounts for the scarce evidence. This study aimed to review the scientific foundation of studies in cadavers to assess regional anesthesia techniques in children. Methods: We searched the following databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. We included anatomical cadaver studies assessing peripheral nerve blocks in children. The core data collected from studies were included in tables and comprised block type, block evaluation, results, and conclusion. Results: The search identified 2409 studies, of which, 16 were anatomical studies on the pediatric population. The techniques evaluated were the erector spinae plane block, ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block, sciatic nerve block, maxillary nerve block, paravertebral block, femoral nerve block, radial nerve block, greater occipital nerve block, infraclavicular brachial plexus block, and infraorbital nerve block. Conclusion: Regional anesthesia techniques are commonly performed in children, but the lack of anatomical studies may result in reservations regarding the dispersion and absorption of local anesthetics. Further anatomical research on pediatric regional anesthesia may guide the practice.

Comparison of the classical approach and costoclavicular approach of ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The infraclavicular brachial plexus block (ICB) provides analgesia and anaesthesia of the upper limb. It is given using the classical or the more recently described costoclavicular (CC) approach at the level of cords. This systematic review aimed to assess which approach is better for the ICB in terms of onset, performance, and safety. This PROSPERO (vide registration number CRD42022361636) registered meta-analysis included randomised trials of patients undergoing upper limb surgery in ultrasound-guided ICB from MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and IRCTP from inception to March 2023. The quality of evidence was assessed using GradePro software. The primary outcomes were sensory and motor block onset time and the number of patients having complete block at 30 minutes. Secondary outcomes included block performance time (BPT), number of attempts, duration of the block, and any incidence of complications. Five trials with 374 adult patients (classic = 185, CC = 189) were included. No significant difference was found in the sensory (Mean difference (MD): 1.44 minutes [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.06, 5.95]; I2 = 95%; very low level of evidence (LOE); P = 0.53) and motor block onset times (MD: 0.83 minutes [95% CI: 0.96, 2.62]; I2 = 84%; very low LOE P = 0.36) and BPT (MD: 5.06 seconds [95% CI: 38.50, 48.63]; I2 = 98%; very low LOE; P = 0.82) in classic and CC approach of ICB. Trial sequential analysis revealed our sample size to be 0.65% of the required sample size to achieve 80% power, deeming our study underpowered. Costoclavicular approach was not superior or inferior to the classical technique for infraclavicular brachial plexus block. However, the quality of evidence is low and further studies are needed to corroborate the findings.

0.25% bupivacaine–1% lidocaine vs 0.5% bupivacaine for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionIn an effort to shorten onset time, a common practice is to add lidocaine to bupivacaine. In the setting of infraclavicular block, it is unclear what the block characteristics of...

Ultrasound guided costoclavicular block in pediatric population: A prospective observational study.

The costoclavicular space serves as an alternative approach to the infraclavicular brachial plexus block, and numerous studies in adults have demonstrated promising outcomes for distal upper limb surgery. Blocking the brachial plexus at this level is potentially advantageous because the cords are relatively superficial, located in close proximity to each other and easily identified using ultrasound. This study aimed to assess the success rate and feasibility of costoclavicular block in children undergoing unilateral below elbow upper limb surgery. Thirty children aged 2-12 years scheduled for unilateral below elbow surgery under general anesthesia were included. Costoclavicular block was performed under ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance with 0.5% ropivacaine, 0.5 mL/kg. Success was evaluated based on the absence of significant hemodynamic response to skin incision made 20 min after the block. The sono-anatomy of costoclavicular space, ease of needling, complications, and the post-operative pain scores were assessed. The mean age and weight of the children were 6.5 ± 3.8 years and 19.7 ± 9.1 kg, respectively. The success rate of costoclavicular block in our cohort is 100%. Sonographic visualization was graded as excellent (Likert Scale 2) in 90% of cases. The plexus was located at a depth of 1.4 ± 0.3 cm from the skin, the lateral extent of cords from the artery was 0.8 ± 0.4 cm and they were observed inferior and lateral to the artery. The mean needling time was 3.6 ± 1.1 min. None of the children experienced complications such as vascular or pleural puncture, hematoma, Horner's syndrome or diaphragmatic palsy. Postoperative pain scores were low, and no rescue analgesia was required. In conclusion, the costoclavicular block exhibited a notably high success rate in pediatric population. This study substantiates that the three cords of the brachial plexus are consistently visible and superficial during ultrasound examination using this approach, confirming their separation from vascular structures and the reliable achievement of blockade without observed complications.

Efficacy of Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Alone Versus Combination With Suprascapular Nerve Block in Patients Undergoing Shoulder Surgeries: A Single-Blind, Randomized Trial.

Background and aim The regional anesthesia technique is commonly used for upper extremity surgery as an alternative to general anesthesia. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of infraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) and a combination of infraclavicular brachial plexus block with suprascapular nerve block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder surgeries. Method A total of 62 patients of both sexes with the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I/II/III, aged between 18 and 65 years, and undergoing shoulder surgery, were included in this prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Patients were equally allocated into two groups: 31 in group A and 31 in group B.After pre-anesthetic evaluation, the purpose and protocol of the study were explained to patients, and informed consent was obtained. Thirty-one patients in group A were given infraclavicular brachial plexus block using 30 ml 0.375% bupivacainewhile 31 patients in group B were given a combination of infraclavicular brachial plexus block using 30 ml 0.375% bupivacaine and suprascapular nerve block using 5 ml 0.375% bupivacaine.Blocks were given using ultrasound guidance and a peripheral nerve stimulator; the suprascapular block was given in the sitting positionwhile the infraclavicular block was provided in the supine position. General anesthesia was administered in the operation theatre in the supine position after the administration of blocks. The pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the satisfaction score was assessed by the numeric rating scale (NRS). The Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparison of pain between the two groups. The chi-square test was utilized for comparing the categorical variables. Result The postoperative pain was significantly lower (p<0.001) in group B as compared to group A at all the periods of observation, i.e., 0h (2.77±0.72 vs. 5.42±0.77), 6h (3.89±0.70 vs. 5.94±0.73), 12h (5.66±0.93 vs. 6.58±0.88), and 24h (6.16±0.80 vs. 6.74±0.90). These findings illustrate that group B patients who received a combination of infraclavicular brachial plexus block and suprascapular nerve block for shoulder surgeries had better pain relief than group A patients who received only the infraclavicular approach. The mean NRS score of patient satisfaction in group B (7.26±0.58) was significantly higher (p<0.001) in comparison to group A (6.16±0.64). Diaphragmatic palsy was observed in only one case in group A and none in group B. No other complication was observed in any of the patients during the study period. Conclusion The combination of infraclavicular brachial plexus block and suprascapular nerve blockdisplays a positive postoperative analgesic profile with less usage of rescue analgesic doses and better patient satisfaction after shoulder surgery.

Combined Infraclavicular-Suprascapular Nerve Blocks Compared With Interscalene Block for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, and Comparative Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: The gold standard postoperative analgesia protocol for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedures is the interscalene block (ISB), which prevents the significant consequences of phrenic nerve block associated with hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP). The infraclavicular brachial plexus block (BPB) combined with the suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) had the same analgesic efficacy as the infraclavicular BPB alone, with no effect on respiration. OBJECTIVES: Therefore, the study aimed to assess the HDP and analgesic efficacy of both approaches in controlling pain following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgeries. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, and comparative clinical trial. SETTING: The study comprised 66 patients. They were separated into 2 equal parallel groups 33 patients each: the ISB group and the costoclavicular and suprascapular block (CSB) group. METHODS: The ISB group obtained the ISB followed by the general anesthesia. The CSB group received infraclavicular blockade using the costoclavicular approach and SSNB followed by general anesthesia. RESULTS: Considering morphine utilization during the first day following the operation, the groups demonstrated an insignificant difference. The CSB group showed a decreased rate of diaphragmatic paralysis. LIMITATIONS: There was no control group. And, the blocks might take a long time to be performed up to 30 minutes. Also, there were no validated criteria to define HDP based on M-mode ultrasound measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The employment of the costoclavicular block in combination with the suprascapular block may provide a comparable analgesic potency to the sole use of the standard ISB with no HDP. KEY WORDS: Interscalene block, costoclavicular block, suprascapular nerve block, hemidiaphragmatic paralysis

Puncture Site Bleeding Complications of Peripheral Nerve Block in Patients Taking Antithrombotic and Anticoagulant Drugs: An Umbrella Review.

While there are multiple guidelines for the management of bleeding complications and hematoma if being treated with antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs, these risks are not yet stratified for procedures with regional anesthesia. This study was an umbrella review of systematic studies and meta-analysis based on PRISMA guidelines in databases of Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Due to heterogeneity in evaluated outcomes and methods of studies, only the qualitative evidence synthesis was performed. AMSTAR checklist was used to assess the risk of bias in included systematic reviews. After an extensive search of relevant studies, 971 primary cases were identified. Following a thorough screening process, 5 systematic reviews were selected. The evidence suggests that head and neck punctures generally do not result in bleeding complications, except for rare cases of hematoma associated with Infraclavicular brachial plexus block. A deep cervical plexus block is not recommended. Interscalene blocks have varying findings, with some studies reporting hematoma incidence and spinal injury, while others consider them low risk. Supraclavicular brachial plexus block might be associated with hemothorax and infraclavicular blocks are not favored by reviews. Axillary brachial plexus blocks have a minor incidence of hematoma. Abdomen blocks, TAP blocks, ilioinguinal blocks, and rectus sheath blocks carry a higher risk of hematoma. Pectoral nerve (PECS) blocks have a relatively high risk, while paravertebral and intercostal blocks are considered high risk, but further research is needed regarding paravertebral blocks. The available evidence from systematic reviews and studies suggests varying levels of risk for different blocks and procedures that should be considered before decision-making.

The effect of oral dexamethasone on duration of analgesia after upper limb surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomised controlled trial.

The effects of oral dexamethasone on peripheral nerve blocks have not been investigated. We randomly allocated adults scheduled for forearm or hand surgery to oral placebo (n = 61), dexamethasone 12 mg (n = 61) or dexamethasone 24 mg (n = 57) about 45 min before lateral infraclavicular block. Mean (SD) time until first pain after block were: 841 (327) min; 1171 (318) min; and 1256 (395) min, respectively. Mean (98.3%CI) differences in time until first postoperative pain for dexamethasone 24 mg vs. placebo and vs. dexamethasone 12 mg were: 412 (248-577) min, p < 0.001; and 85 (-78 to 249) min, p = 0.21, respectively. Mean (98.3%CI) difference in time until first postoperative pain for dexamethasone 12 mg vs. placebo was 330 (186-474) min, p < 0.001. Both 24 mg and 12 mg of oral dexamethasone increased the time until first postoperative pain compared with placebo in patients having upper limb surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Ultrasound-guided Retroclavicular Approach Versus Costoclavicular Approach of Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgeries

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia for an upper limb provides many advantages over general anesthesia, especially in orthopedic surgery. OBJECTIVES: This trial aimed to compare a retroclavicular approach to the infraclavicular brachial plexus with a costoclavicular approach in term of needle time, image time, and procedure time, and comparing both with the classic technique for upper limb surgeries guided by ultrasound. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial. SETTING: Minia University, Faculty of Medicine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department. METHODS: Sixty patients of both sees with an American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification of I and II, a BMI (kg/m2) of 20-35, aged from 18-60 years who were scheduled for a forearm or hand surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block were divided into 3 parallel equal groups. Group I (RC) received a retroclavicular approach. Group II (CC)received a costoclavicular approach. Group III (CT) received the classic technique. Procedure time, the sum of the imaging and needling times, was our primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the motor and sensory block success rate 30 minutes postinjection of local anesthesia, duration of motor and sensory block, Visual Analog Score, first analgesic need, total analgesia requirements during the first postoperative 24 hours, and any complications. RESULTS: The procedure and needle times were significantly decreased in the retroclavicular group due to better needle visibility. There was no significant difference regarding sensory and motor block data. The VAS score in the first postoperative 24 hours showed no statistical significance. Regarding analgesic data and patient satisfaction, there was no statistical significance among the 3 studied groups. There were no complications in any of the used approaches. LIMITATION: Our trial did not include patients with a BMI &gt; 35. CONCLUSIONS: The retroclavicular approach is superior because of its decreased procedure time and needle time than both the costoclavicular approach and classic approach. KEY WORDS: Retroclavicular, costoclavicular, infraclavicular brachial plexus block, upper limb surgery

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Analgesic Efficacy of Programmed Intermittent Bolus vs. Continuous Infusion of Ropivacaine and Fentanyl in Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgery.

Programmed intermittent bolus (PIB) is a novel method of intermittent drug delivery commonly employed in labor epidural analgesia. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of PIB over continuous infusion (CI) for postoperative analgesia following upper limb surgeries distal to the mid-humerus level using ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block (USG-IBPB). The USG-IBPB was performed on a total of 30 patients scheduled for upper limb surgery distal to the mid-humerus level. The patient-controlled regional analgesia pump delivered a combination of 6 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 2 μg/mL fentanyl via a perineural catheter as PIB in group I and as a CI in group II. The primary outcome measure was overall drug consumption, and secondary outcomes included pain scores, patient satisfaction, sensory and motor blockade, and adverse effects. The PIB group exhibited significantly lower overall drug consumption (306.20 ± 13.07 mL vs. 323.73 ± 11.79 mL; P = 0.001), a reduced need for patient-controlled analgesia boluses (3.87 ± 2.67 vs. 7.13 ± 2.36; P = 0.001), and higher patient satisfaction (91.93 ± 10.09 vs. 78.67 ± 17.57; P = 0.017) compared to the CI group. Pain scores at rest were significantly lower at the 24-hour mark (P = 0.007), and on movement, lower scores were observed after 1, 24, and 36 hours (P = 0.031, P = 0.031, and P = 0.011, respectively). Sensory block, motor block, and adverse effects were similar between the two groups. PIB demonstrated superior efficacy in postoperative analgesia compared to the CI technique for upper limb surgeries distal to the mid-humerus level. Therefore, PIB may be considered an effective alternative to CI for optimal postoperative pain management.

Impact of Peripheral Nerve Block Technique on Incidence of Phrenic Nerve Palsy in Shoulder Surgery.

Peripheral nerve blocks are an increasingly common method of providing postoperative analgesia for shoulder surgeries. However, the standard technique, the interscalene block (ISB), inevitably causes hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP), secondary to phrenic nerve palsy. This can cause morbidity in patients with preexisting respiratory compromise, prompting investigation into alternative "phrenic-sparing" nerve blocks. The aim of this review was to give an overview of these blocks and critically evaluate the current literature to determine if any are suitable replacements for ISB. The incidence of HDP and analgesic efficacy were considered. We queried four electronic databases and one register. Twenty-eight original articles were selected for review. The use of ultrasound guidance, lower volumes of local anaesthetic (LA), and injection 4 mm outside the brachial plexus fascia reduced HDP incidence for the ISB; however, no single modification did so sufficiently. While the anterior suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) showed comparable analgesic effects to the ISB, HDP prevalence was also high. The posterior SSNB produced consistently low HDP incidences but also inferior analgesia to ISB, except when combined with an infraclavicular brachial plexus block. The superior trunk block (STB) provided equivalent analgesia to the ISB while reducing HDP incidence, but not significantly. Lower LA volumes consistently led to lower HDP incidence across all blocks, likely due to a reduced ability to spread to the phrenic nerve. Further investigation into the minimum effective volumes of the extrafascial ISB, anterior SSNB, STB, and combined posterior SSNB with infraclavicular block is warranted to determine if any of these blocks can successfully balance HDP prevention with analgesic efficacy.

Blockade of intercostobrachial nerve by an erector spinae plane block at T2 level: a case report

BackgroundThe intercostobrachial nerve blockade is required, in addition to brachial plexus block, to anesthetize the entire upper arm. No studies have described the use of erector spinae plane (ESP) block for an intercostobrachial nerve block.Case presentationA 72-year-old man was scheduled to undergo left brachial vein transposition-arteriovenous fistula creation for hemodialysis access. An ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed using a mixture of 0.5% levobupivacaine (12.5 ml) and 2% lidocaine (12.5 ml). An ESP block was implemented using 10 ml of the same local anesthetic at the T2 level. A pinprick test showed that the entire upper arm and lateral aspect of the left upper chest wall were anesthetized 20 min after the blocks. Surgery was successfully performed without the need for general anesthesia.ConclusionsIn the present case, an ESP block performed at the T2 level provided sensory loss of the area innervated by the intercostobrachial nerve.

The Comparison of Dexmedetomidine to Dexamethasone as Adjuvants to Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Upper Limb Surgeries.

Background The clinical utility of adjuvants with local anesthesia produces an excellent nerve block with prolonged duration and faster onset.Brachial plexus block is widely used nowadays in patientsundergoing upper limb surgery There are several approaches to achieve brachial plexus block such as interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of dexamethasone to dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to bupivacaine in patients undergoing ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus (USG-ICBP) block. Methods A randomized, prospective, double-blind study was undertaken on the patients posted for upper limb surgeries under ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Sixtypatients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes I and II were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received 25 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 1.5 mL (6 mg) of dexamethasone, and group B received 25 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 0.75 mL (75 mcg) of dexmedetomidine along with 0.75 mL of 0.9% normal saline (NS). Student's t test or Mann-Whitney test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results The onset of sensory block was significantly faster in the patients in group B as compared to the patients in group A. In terms of the duration of the block, sensory and motor blocks were maintained for a significantly longer duration in the group A patients as compared to those in group B. Moreover, the duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer-lasting in the group A patients. In terms of adverse effects, procedure-related complications such as the failure of the block and inadequate block were comparable across the groups. However, drug-related adverse effects were significantly more common in group B. Conclusion As compared to 75 mcg of dexmedetomidine, the addition of 6 mg of dexamethasone as adjuvant to 25 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine resulted in significantly longer-lasting sensory and motor blocks, postoperative analgesia, and a delayed time for first rescue analgesia without increasing undue adverse effects. Dexmedetomidine use is associated with more sedation as compared to dexamethasone.