Ultrasound-guided Regional Anesthesia Research Articles

Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia of the Femoral Nerve in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Femur fractures are painful, and use of systemic opioids and other sedatives can be dangerous in pediatric patients. The fascia iliaca compartment nerve block and femoral nerve block are regional anesthesia techniques to provide analgesia by anesthetizing the femoral nerve. They are widely used in adult patients and are associated with good effect and reduced opioid use. Ultrasound (US) guidance of nerve blocks can increase their safety and efficacy. We sought to report on the use and safety of US-guided regional anesthesia of the femoral nerve performed by emergency physicians for femur fractures in 6 pediatric emergency departments. Records were queried at 6 pediatric EDs across North America to identify patients with femur fractures managed with US-guided regional anesthesia of the femoral nerve between January 1, 2016, and May 1, 2021. Data were abstracted regarding demographics, injury pattern, nerve block technique, and analgesic use before and after nerve block. Eighty-five cases were identified. Median age was 5 years (interquartile range, 2-9 years). Most patients were male and had sustained blunt trauma (59% low-mechanism falls). Ninety-four percent of injuries were managed operatively. Most patients (79%) received intravenous opioid analgesia before their nerve block. Ropivacaine was the most common local anesthetic used (69% of blocks). No procedural complications or adverse effects were identified. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia of the femoral nerve is widely performed and can be performed safely on pediatric patients by emergency physicians and trainees in the pediatric emergency department.

Artificial Intelligence: Innovation to Assist in the Identification of Sono-anatomy for Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anaesthesia.

Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (UGRA) involves the targeted deposition of local anaesthesia to inhibit the function of peripheral nerves. Ultrasound allows the visualisation of nerves and the surrounding structures, to guide needle insertion toa perineural or fascial plane end point for injection. However, it is challenging to develop the necessary skills to acquire and interpret optimal ultrasound images. Sound anatomical knowledge is required and human image analysis is fallible, limited by heuristic behaviours and fatigue, while its subjectivity leads to varied interpretation even amongst experts. Therefore, to maximise the potential benefit of ultrasound guidance, innovation in sono-anatomical identification is required.Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly infiltrating many aspects of everyday life. Advances related to medicine have been slower, in part because of the regulatory approval process needing to thoroughly evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of new devices. One area of AI to show significant promise is computer vision (a branch of AI dealing with how computers interpret the visual world), which is particularly relevant to medical image interpretation. AI includes the subfields of machine learning and deep learning, techniques used to interpret or label images. Deep learning systems may hold potential to support ultrasound image interpretation in UGRA but must be trained and validated on data prior to clinical use.Review of the current UGRA literature compares the success and generalisability of deep learning and non-deep learning approaches to image segmentation and explains how computers are able to track structures such as nerves through image frames. We conclude this review with a case study from industry (ScanNav Anatomy Peripheral Nerve Block; Intelligent Ultrasound Limited). This includes a more detailed discussion of the AI approach involved in this system and reviews current evidence of the system performance.The authors discuss how this technology may be best used to assist anaesthetists and what effects this may have on the future of learning and practice of UGRA. Finally, we discuss possible avenues for AI within UGRA and the associated implications.

Artificial-coloring in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

Ultrasonography (US) is an important visualization technique in regional anesthesia. Increasing in quality of images may lead to better conclusions. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the effect of artificial-coloring on image quality and practitioner's preferences. Ultrasound images of five block regions, interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, femoral, and popliteal were taken on a volunteer using gray scale. Then, the images were colored in seven different color scales using artificial-coloring technique. All participants were asked to fill in the structured questionnaire. All created images were assessed by three specialist and 14 resident anesthesiologists. The highest scores about nerve recognition, distinguishing nerve from surrounding tissues, and visual clarity of fascicles were obtained with blue scale images; however, these findings were not significant compared to gray scale (p>0.05). Blue scale was chosen as a favorite scale by 53% of participants. Increasing the image quality and resolution while performing regional anesthesia under ultrasound guidance increases success and reduces complications. Artificial-coloring is one of the adjustments that can improve image quality. In our study, the results of coloring with blue were remarkable. However, more importantly than the color chosen, we believe that routine adjustments such as gain, depth, and focusing will bring important advantages.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and quadratus lumborum (QL) block in inguinal hernia surgery.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and quadratus lumborum (QL) block in inguinal hernia surgery.

Role of conferences and continuing medical education (CME) in post-graduate anaesthesia education.

Role of conferences and continuing medical education (CME) in post-graduate anaesthesia education.

Ultrasound Guided Regional Anaesthesia for Breast Surgery in High Risk Patients- A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) or breast conservative surgery (BCS) done under general anaesthesia (GA) in high-risk patients may be associated with significant morbidity, Intensive Care Unit stay and increased hospital stay leading to cost issues. In this case-series, we describe our experience with regional anesthesia for MRM or BCS and sentinel / complete axillary clearance in 61 patients with breast carcinoma who were high risk for perioperative complications in view of their co-morbidities. None required ICU or increased hospital stay postoperatively. Material & Methods: Sixty-one ASA III/IV patients operated under regional anaesthesia for carcinoma of the breast were included. Multiple level USG guided thoracic paravertebral block (PVB), PECS block (1/2), Pecto-intercostal fascial block (PIFB), Serratus-anterior plane block (SAPB), brachial plexus block, Superficial cervical plexus blocks (SCPB), Erector spinae block (ESB) were given in different combinations. Result: There were 60 female patients (Age: 30-97 years) and 1 male patient (59 years) (Left side -27 patients, right side- 34 patients). Of the total 61 patients, 23 patients underwent BCS with axillary dissection, 36 patients underwent MRM with axillary dissection, 2 patients had MRM with Pectoralis Major muscle resection. Patients received different combinations of blocks PVB or ESB, PECS1/2 and SAPB. 43 patients received the PVB, 61 got the PECS1/2, 12 patients received ESP, 32 patients required SCPB, 1 infra-clavicular block and 35 patients got PIFB. All procedures were completed under regional anaesthesia with 51 patients getting intravenous midazolam (0.01-0.02mg/kg), 59 patients were given IV fentanyl (1-3ug/kg , 43 patients were given IV propofol (1-2mg/kg), These were given in small aliquots during the duration of the procedure. 2 patients had IV ketamine (0.5mg/kg) and 1 patient had IV dexmeditomidine (0.2-0.3ug/kg/hr). IV paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) ie. Inj Diclofenac Sodium IV in the dose of 1mg/kg (max 75mg) were given when not contraindicated. There was single case of axillary hematoma with no other complications. No patient required ICU care postoperatively and were discharged as routine. Conclusion: A combination of blocks may be an option for surgical anaesthesia for breast surgeries in high risk patients. Careful planning, patient counseling and attention to toxic dose of local anaesthetics must always be considered. Keywords: Paravertebral block, Thoracic wall blocks, PECS block, Serratus Anterior plane block, Pecto-intercorstal fascial block, Superficial cervical plexus, Modified radical mastectomy, Breast conservative surgery.

A retrospective case series of PENG block combined with femoral & lateral cutaneous nerves block as novel regional anesthesia approach for hemiarthroplasty & dynamic hip screw (DHS)

Hip fracture is a frequent trauma particularly common in elderly patients, associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. The innervation of the hip joint is complex, and it is challenging for the anesthesiologists to provide effective anesthesia, even analgesia. The pericapsular PENG block is a promising block aiming to block articular sensory branches of anterior capsule supplied by femoral, obturator, and accessory obturator nerves. In this case series, The PENG block combined with femoral, and lateral femoral nerves block was successfully used as regional anesthesia technique with sedation for hemiarthroplasty and dynamic hip screw surgeries. The ultrasound-guided Novel regional anesthesia approach is described, and post-operative pain scores and opioid requirements are monitored till 48 h post-operative.

Mayo Clinic Sees Tangible Gains from Project OASIS Practice Optimization

Article| November 2021 Mayo Clinic Sees Tangible Gains from Project OASIS Practice Optimization Gordon Glantz Gordon Glantz Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ASA Monitor November 2021, Vol. 85, 36–37. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000798568.59898.8c Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation Gordon Glantz; Mayo Clinic Sees Tangible Gains from Project OASIS Practice Optimization. ASA Monitor 2021; 85:36–37 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000798568.59898.8c Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: outcome and assessment information set Despite growing up in a medical family affiliated with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Hugh M. Smith, MD, PhD, never set out to be a physician. He completed an undergraduate degree in Economics, a master's degree in philosophy and a PhD in medical history, all before attending medical school. “Initially, I began tracking into surgery, but after rotating in anesthesiology, I was hooked by the fascinating interplay of physiology, pharmacology, and procedural opportunities,” he said. Dr. Smith was matched with the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Mayo Clinic, completing his residency training and a fellowship in Regional Anesthesia. Dr. Smith's fellowship coincided with the advent of ultrasound technology, and he was deeply involved with research, clinical application, and education of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Over the past several years, however, Dr. Smith became more engaged in perioperative practice management and the evolving role of anesthesiologists in practice optimization.... You do not currently have access to this content.

217 Establishing an Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia Training Curriculum for Emergency Physicians

Managing acute pain is a common challenge in the emergency department (ED). Pain regimens often rely on a combination of topical, oral, or parenteral options, including opioid analgesics which are often used for treating severe acute pain. Regional anesthesia (RA) delivers local anesthetic to targeted nerves or nerve groups which cause pain. Though widely used in peri-operative settings, RA has been slow to gain traction in the ED. Here, we developed a low-cost, low-fidelity, simulation-based training curriculum in ultrasound-guided RA for emergency physicians.

International consensus on anatomical structures to identify on ultrasound for the performance of basic blocks in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia

There is no universally agreed set of anatomical structures that must be identified on ultrasound for the performance of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) techniques. This study aimed to produce standardized...

Piloting a New Curriculum: Guided At-Home Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Education Using a Portable Ultrasound.

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is the standard of care for most regional blocks in pediatric anesthesiology.Training programs must educate physicians to perform regional blocks safely and efficiently. Hands-on learning with simulation and live models is the gold standard. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly hampered our ability to safely hold in-person workshops. We describe an at-home, guided virtual workshop using portable ultrasound to safely continue experiential trainee education.The primary objective of this pilot virtual workshop was to develop an effective experiential learning program without the need for live child models. The main goal was to give trainees hands-on experience obtaining anatomical ultrasound images necessary for regional anesthesia blocks in a guided-virtual setting and to evaluate the effectiveness of skills acquisition. This workshop included two pediatric anesthesiology fellows and a pediatric anesthesiologist.Trainees were instructed on ultrasound-guided regional block acquisition. For two weeks, trainees acquired images/movies of regional block anatomy at home using their own children. Virtual video assistance was available. Trainees then used acquired images/movies to discuss needle and local anesthetic placement with a pediatric regional anesthesiologist. Trainees completed pre- and post-workshop surveys assessing attitudes, perceived educational efficacy, and procedural skill acquisition. The faculty member also assessed trainees’ skills.The virtual workshop was successful. Trainees expressed successful active learning and increased comfort in performing regional blocks on live patients. They correctly identified relevant anatomy of acquired images/movies, as well as needle and local anesthetic placement at the time of debriefing. Faculty were pleased with trainees’ initial performance of regional blocks.Adapting an in-person workshop to an at-home guided experience is a safe, feasible, and well-received method for anesthesiology trainees to obtain experiential learning of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. This facilitated at-home learning experience allows for hands-on skill practice while preventing exposure of child models to the hospital setting during a pandemic.

Successful Conduction of Mid-Humeral Fracture Surgery Under Ultrasound- Guided Supraclavicular Block an a Case of Cervical Scoliosis with Fixed Contracture Deformity Neck and Multiple Comorbidities

Introduction: Regional anaesthesia has been proven lifesaver in many tough anaesthetic situations that demand good operative conditions yet are prone to put the patient under increased risk of post-operative complications including prolonged ICU stays even increasing overall mortality when general anaesthesia is chosen as primary anaesthesia modality. Use of ultrasound has revolutionised our approach to regional anaesthesia and many cases which would otherwise be deemed unfit for usual anatomy based approaches can now be conducted with enhanced precision and safety. Case presentation: We present on such case in a 69-year-old male patient with multiple high-risk factors that precluded safe conduction of general anaesthesia, with the presence of cervical scoliosis with fixed contracture neck making anatomy impossible for a blind approach to brachial plexus. Even with help of ultrasound interscalene level was not accessible due to contracture. The successful supraclavicular block was made possible as we could make a clear distinction between vessels, pleura and rib at that level although the cords appeared haphazardly placed and stretched not conforming to usual anatomy at the level. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of regional anaesthesia under ultrasound guidance in such complex high-risk cases. As the experience with ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia continues to grow internationally, we are on our steep learning curve appreciating the benefits and respecting the limitations of this developing technology.

English

Anaesthetic modalities for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation include general (GA), local (LA) and regional anaesthesia (RA). Ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia (USRA) proved to have more benefits in AVF creation than the other two. This study conducted at the Douala General Hospital aimed to assess these benefits over GA and RA. A retrospective review was performed on 217 records of patients who underwent an AVF creation between January 2015 and December 2018. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were recorded. Analysis of variance, Pearson’s chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were performed and a p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Of the 217 records reviewed, age ranged between 51 and 60 years old, and 71.9% were males. The distribution of AVF according to the anaesthetic type was: 83 (38.2%) for GA, and 68 (31.3%) for USRA. The rate of changeover was significantly associated with the anaesthetic type [GA: null vs. USRA: 8 (11.8%), p < 0.001]. The total anaesthesia administration time and surgical time were significantly associated with the anaesthetic type. The association between the anaesthetic type and the complication was of no statistical importance. This study thus showed that USRA was superior to either GA in AVF creation. The surgical duration mitigated the time required for its performance as compared to GA. It was the most stable in term of cost of anaesthesia and yielded higher rates of functional patency 3 months after the fistulae were created. Key words: Brachial plexus block, arteriovenous fistula, ultrasound, cost of anaesthesia, patency.  

Postoperative neurological complications after brachial plexus block: a retrospective study conducted at a teaching hospital.

Serious complications after ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia can be devastating for the patient. The pathogenesis of postoperative neurological complications (PONC) is multifactorial and includes mechanical, vascular and chemical factors besides the nerve puncture itself. The primary aim of this study was to assess the incidence of PONC after brachial plexus block (BPB). This is an observational retrospective single-centre study conducted at the regional anaesthesia unit of a teaching hospital. All BPBs performed from January 2011 to November 2019 were included. The outcomes analysed were the incidence, aetiology and diagnosis of PONCs and the incidence of other postoperative complications such as local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), pneumothorax, wrong-side block, etc. The performance of trainees and experienced anaesthesiologists was compared across all the outcomes. From a total of 5340 BPBs included, 15 cases developed PONC, yielding a rate of 2.81:1000 (95% CI 1.70-4.63). Thirteen patients underwent neurophysiological exams which confirmed nine neuropathies. The rate of PONCs for supervised trainees was 1.80:1000 (95% CI 0.701-4.62), not statistically different from that of experienced anaesthesiologists (p = 0.241). Three cases were considered to present with a PONC probably related to BPB [0.562:1,00 (95% CI 0.191-1.65)]. The incidence of long-term PONCs was 1.12:1000 (95% CI 0.515-2.45). Such complications proved irreversible in 2 cases. The incidences of LAST, pneumothorax and other complications observed were 0.749:1000 (95% CI 0.291-1.92), 0.187:1000 (95% CI 0.0331-1.06) and 4.31:1000 (95% CI 2.87-6.46), respectively. This survey suggests that complications after ultrasound-guided BPB, including blocks performed by trainees, are uncommon. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04451642.

Reliability and Quality of YouTube Videos on Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block: A Programmatical Review.

Background: Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia has gained popularity over the last decade. This study aimed to assess whether YouTube videos sufficiently serve as an adjunctive tool for learning how to perform an ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (BPB). Methods: All YouTube videos were classified, based on their sources, as either academic, manufacturer, educational, or individual videos. The metrics, accuracy, utility, reliability (using the Journal of American Medical Association Score benchmark criteria (JAMAS)), and educational quality (using the Global Quality Score (GQS) and Brachial Plexus Block Specific Quality Score (BSQS)) were validated. Results: Here, 175 videos were included. Academic (1.19 ± 0.62, mean ± standard deviation), manufacturer (1.17 ± 0.71), and educational videos (1.15 ± 0.76) had better JAMAS accuracy and reliability than individual videos (0.26 ± 0.67) (p < 0.001). Manufacturer (11.22 ± 1.63) and educational videos (10.33 ± 3.34) had a higher BSQS than individual videos (7.32 ± 4.20) (p < 0.001). All sources weakly addressed the equipment preparation and post-procedure questions after BSQS analysis. Conclusions: The reliability and quality of ultrasound-guided BPB videos differ depending on their source. As YouTube is a useful educational platform for learners and teachers, global societies of regional anesthesiologists should set a standard for videos.

Shape constraint function for artery tracking in ultrasound images

Ultrasound guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) has emerged as a powerful technique for pain management in the operating theatre. It uses ultrasound imaging to visualize anatomical structures, the needle insertion and the delivery of the anesthetic around the targeted nerve block. Detection of the nerves is a difficult task, however, due to the poor quality of the ultrasound images. Recent developments in pattern recognition and machine learning have heightened the need for computer aided systems in many applications. This type of system can improve UGRA practice. In many imaging situations nerves are not salient in images. Generally, practitioners rely on the arteries as key anatomical structures to confirm the positions of the nerves, making artery tracking an important aspect for UGRA procedure. However, artery tracking in a noisy environment is a challenging problem, due to the instability of the features. This paper proposes a new method for real-time artery tracking in ultrasound images. It is based on shape information to correct tracker location errors. A new objective function is proposed, which defines an artery as an elliptical shape, enabling its robust fitting in a noisy environment. This approach is incorporated in two well-known tracking algorithms, and shows a systematic improvement over the original trackers. Evaluations were performed on 71 videos of different axillary nerve blocks. The results obtained demonstrated the validity of the proposed method.

Role of regional anesthesia in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols and interventional locoregional anesthesia (LRA) techniques continuously evolve. This review outlines the latest recommendations for the use of regional anesthesia in ERAS protocols and emerging interventional analgesia techniques. Research in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia has led to a refinement of the traditional techniques and the introduction of a number of new approaches to complement ERAS strategies. The efficacy and versatility of LRA enable its use in an increasing number of ERAS indications. The implementation of ERAS protocols in different surgical procedures reduces overall complications and recovery time. Multimodal analgesia strategies with regional anesthesia techniques are some of the key interventions contributing to the improvement in postoperative outcomes.

Corrigendum: A single-operator technique in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

Corrigendum: A single-operator technique in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

The novel use of biplane imaging for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

The novel use of biplane imaging for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia in COVID-19 and future pandemics: infection control.

Purpose of reviewInfection control is inherent in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia practice, because ultrasound transducer and coupling gel can be vectors for pathogen transmission. We reviewed the current standards and recommendations of ultrasound transducer cleaning, disinfection, and safe handling of ultrasound equipment. Based on the available data, we propose a set of practical recommendations applicable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and future epidemics.Recent findingsRegional anesthesia is often preferred over general anesthesia for COVID-19 patients. Avoidance of general anesthesia reduces the need for aerosol generating procedures. Administration of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and surgery under regional anesthesia in COVID-19 patients requires careful infectious precautions to prevent the viral spread through the use equipment.SummaryUltrasound machine, transducer and coupling gel can serve as a vector for transmission of pathogens. In the era of COVID-19 pandemic, standardized strategies are recommended to minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19 to both patients and the healthcare providers.