[The Usefulness of SIVA Guide® for Beginners Performing Ultrasound-guided Nerve Block with the In-plane Approach].

BACKGROUND

When performing a nerve block, the needle is usually inserted using the in-plane approach. However, it is often difficult for beginners to insert the needle. We report good results obtained using the SIVA Guide® among junior residents with no experi- ence of performing nerve blocks.

METHODS

Twenty-seven junior residents partici- pated in the study. They had no previous experience of performing an ultrasound-guided nerve block. Using a phantom, the time for needle insertion to the target item at shallow layer (2 cm) and the number of minor adjustments were measured. The SIVA Guide® was fitted and measurements were taken again in the same manner. Furthermore, the time to insertion to the tar- get item in a deep layer (4 cm) and number of minor adjustments were measured. The SIVA Guide® was then fitted and measurements were taken again in the same manner.

RESULTS

For both shallow and deep punctures, insertion time and the number of repeated insertions significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the SIVA Guide® for nerve block beginners improves puncture time and the num- ber of repeated insertions, making it possible to safely perform the in-plane approach.