Effect of nerve localization using a pen device on the success of axillary brachial plexus block

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Saracoglu S., BİGAT Z., ERTUĞRUL F., KARSLI B., KAYACAN N.

JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH, cilt.42, sa.2, ss.337-346, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 42 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2014
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1177/0300060513493848
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.337-346
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Anaesthesia, regional, axillary block, peripheral neural stimulation, percutaneous nerve localization, PERCUTANEOUS ELECTRODE GUIDANCE, MULTIPLE-INJECTION, STIMULATION TECHNIQUES, ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE, PERIPHERAL-NERVES, TRANSARTERIAL, MEPIVACAINE, PRELOCATION, ANESTHESIA, PATIENT
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective The effectiveness of axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) performed using peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) alone was compared with PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device, enabling nerve mapping without puncturing the skin.

Abstract

Objective The effectiveness of axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) performed using peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) alone was compared with PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device, enabling nerve mapping without puncturing the skin. 

Methods Patients undergoing unilateral hand or forearm surgery suitable for ABPB were randomly assigned to receive either PNS alone (pen-group) or PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device (pen+group). Parameters related to the block procedure and patient comfort were assessed. 

Results Thirty patients were included in each group. The block performance time was longer in the pen+group than the pen-group despite a reduced number of needle insertions. The complete block rate was higher and intraoperative analgesic usage lower in the pen+group compared with the pen-group. Patient satisfaction and complication rates were similar in the two groups. 

Conclusion The pen device seems to be a helpful addition to PNS for ABPB, with improved results in terms of block success and patient comfort, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.