Supraclavicular regional anaesthesia revisited--the bent needle technique.

A new technique for achieving brachial plexus anaesthesia through the supraclavicular fossa is described. Its objectives are to minimize risk to the lung and provide for continuous as well as single-shot options. The plexus is approached through the lateral aspect of the supraclavicular fossa, and a bend in the shaft of the needle permits the tip of the needle to be directed tangential to the chest wall. An audit of 572 cases associated with the development of this technique is presented.