Transscalene brachial plexus block: a new posterolateral approach for brachial plexus block

Is It Useful and Necessary to Add a T2 Paravertebral Block to the Regional Anesthesia During Proximal Humeral Fracture Surgery in Elderly Patients? A Prospective and Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

This study was designed to investigate whether it is useful and necessary to add a T2 level thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) based on brachial-cervical plexus block to avoid incomplete anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing deltopectoral approach proximal humeral fracture (PHF) surgery.

Materials and Methods

This study involved 80 patients scheduled for PHF surgery who were randomized to receive either IC block (combined interscalene brachial plexus with superficial cervical plexus block) or ICTP block (T2 TPVB supplemented with IC block). The primary outcome was the success rate of regional anesthesia. The patient who experienced incomplete block was administered with intravenous remifentanil for rescue, or conversion to general anesthesia (GA) if remifentanil was still ineffective. Secondary outcomes included requirements of rescue anesthesia, sensory block of the surgical region, the incidence of adverse reactions, and block procedure-related complications.

Results

The success rate of regional anesthesia in the ICTP group was higher compared with the IC group (77.5 vs. 52.5%, p = 0.019). Intravenous remifentanil was required in 32.5% of patients in the IC group and 17.5% in the ICTP group, respectively. Conversion to GA was performed in 15% of patients in the IC group and 5% in the ICTP group. Sensory block at the medial proximal upper arm was achieved in 85% of patients in the ICTP group, whereas 10% in the IC group (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups with respect to the incidence of intraoperative adverse reactions. No block-related complications occurred in either group.

Conclusion

Adding a T2 TPVB is helpful to decrease, but not absolutely avoid the occurrence of incomplete regional anesthesia during PHF surgery in elderly patients. However, considering the potential risks, it is not an ideal option while a minor dose of remifentanil can provide a satisfactory rescue effect.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03919422.

The effectiveness of additional thoracic paravertebral block in improving the anesthetic effects of regional anesthesia for proximal humeral fracture surgery in elderly patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The innervation of the shoulder-upper-extremity area is complicated and unclear. Regional anesthesia with a brachial plexus and cervical plexus block is probably inadequate for the proximal humeral surgery. Missing blockade of the T1-T2 nerves may be the reason. We conduct this prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) to explore whether an additional T2 thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) can improve the success rate of regional anesthesia for elderly patients in proximal humeral fracture surgery.

METHODS/DESIGN

The patients aged 65 years or older, referred for anterior-approach proximal humeral fracture surgery, will be enrolled. Each patient will be randomly assigned 1:1 to receive a combined interscalene brachial plexus with superficial cervical plexus block (IC) (combined interscalene brachial plexus with superficial cervical plexus block) or an IC block combined with thoracic paravertebral block (ICTP) block (combined thoracic paravertebral block with brachial plexus and superficial cervical plexus block). The primary outcome is the success rate of regional anesthesia without rescue analgesic methods. The secondary outcomes are as follows: sensory block at the surgical area, proportion of patients who need rescue anesthesia (intravenously administered remifentanil or conversion to general anesthesia), cumulative doses of intraoperative vasoactive medications and adverse events. The total sample size is estimated to be 80 patients.

DISCUSSION

This RCT aims to confirm whether an additional T2 TPVB can provide better anesthetic effects of regional anesthesia with brachial and cervical plexus block in elderly patients undergoing proximal humeral surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03919422. Registered on 19 April 2019.

Lateral approach for supraclavicular brachial plexus block

A lateral approach described by Volker Hempel and Dr. Dilip Kotharihas been further studied, evaluated and described in detail in the present study. The aim of this study was to evaluate lateral approach of supraclavicular brachial plexus block, mainly in terms of successes rate and complication rate. The study was conducted in secondary level hospital and tertiary level hospital from 2004 to 2008. It was a prospective nonrandomized open-level study. Eighty-two patients of both sexes, aged between 18 and 65 years with ASA Grade I and II scheduled to undergo elective major surgery of the upper limb below the midarm, were selected for this new lateral approach of brachial plexus block. The onset and duration of sensory and motor block, any complications and need for supplement anaesthesia were observed. Success and complication rate were calculated in percentage. Average onset and duration of sensory and motor block was calculated as mean ± SD and percentage. Out of 82 patients, 75 (92%) have got successful block with no significant complication in any case.

Interscalene perineural catheter placement using an ultrasound-guided posterior approach

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The posterior approach to the brachial plexus--or cervical paravertebral block--has advantages over the anterolateral interscalene approach, but concerns regarding "blind" needle placement near the neuraxis have limited the acceptance of this useful technique. We present a technique to place an interscalene perineural catheter that potentially decreases neuraxial involvement with the use of ultrasound guidance.

METHODS

A 55-year-old man scheduled for total shoulder arthroplasty underwent placement of an interscalene perineural catheter. The posterior approach was selected to avoid the external jugular vein and anticipated sterile surgical field. Under in-plane ultrasound guidance, a 17-gauge insulated Tuohy-tip needle was inserted between the levator scapulae and trapezius muscles, and guided through the middle scalene muscle, remaining less than 2 cm below the skin throughout. Deltoid and biceps contractions were elicited at a current of 0.6 mA, and a 19-gauge stimulating catheter was advanced 5 cm beyond the needle tip, without a concomitant decrease in motor response.

RESULTS

The initial 40 mL 0.5% ropivacaine bolus via the catheter resulted in unilateral anesthesia typical of an interscalene block; and subsequent perineural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was delivered via portable infusion pump through postoperative day 4.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous interscalene block using an ultrasound-guided posterior approach is an alternative technique that retains the benefits of posterior catheter insertion, but potentially reduces the risk of complications that may result from blind needle insertion.