Brachial plexus block. A comparison of the supraclavicular lateral paravascular and axillary approaches.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Anesthesia of the brachial plexus has been associated with injuries to adjacent structures (e.g., pneumothorax, vascular penetration). It is not uncommon to have only partial block of the upper extremity, hindering completion of the surgical procedure. The supraclavicular lateral paravascular approach to brachial plexus anesthesia has been proposed as an effective, safe alternative to the traditional approaches to brachial plexus anesthesia.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized study sought to determine if the supraclavicular lateral paravascular (SCLP) approach is as effective as the transarterial axillary approach, the most common brachial plexus block used at our institution.

RESULTS

16/20 (80%) of SCLP blocks were good. 13/20 axillary blocks were good. The success rate with the SCLP approach was 95%. The success rate with the axillary approach was 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

The supraclavicular lateral paravascular approach is as effective as the axillary approach.