Thoracic paravertebral block using real-time ultrasound guidance.

BACKGROUND

We developed a technique for ultrasound-guided paravertebral block, which was subsequently applied in the clinical setting.

METHODS

An initial cadaver study was used to develop a technique that was used in the clinical setting on patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

RESULTS

Paravertebral catheters were correctly placed in the cadaveric trial in 8 of 10 attempts. In the clinical study, all blocked patients (n = 9) had evidence of thoracic wall sensory block and analgesia postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Determined by anatomical dissection, we have described the ultrasound features of the thoracic paravertebral space and performed clinically successful ultrasound-guided paravertebral block.