Original Article

Axillary Brachial Plexus Block with Peripheral Nerve Stimulator

Jong In Han
Author Information & Copyright
Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Korea.

Copyright ⓒ 1996. Ewha Womans University School of Medicine. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Published Online: Jul 24, 2015

Abstract

Objectives

Axillary block is a common anesthetic technique for operation on the hand and forearm. Many variations of the axillary approach have been described. Therefore we studied the results obtained when the axillary approach to brachial plexus blockade is attempted utilizing peripheral nerve stimulation(PNS).

Methods

Axillary brachial plexus block with PNS(0.5mA, 2Hz) was used in 30 adult patients undergoing hand and forearm surgery. 20ml of 1.5% lidocaine and 20ml of 0.375% bupivacaine solution was injected. A pin prick test was performed at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min. and quality of the clock in the distribution of 7 peripheral nerve of the brachial plexs was evaluated.

Results

Block were 28 cases(93.3%) including 6 cases(20%) of incomplete block and total failure were 2 cases. Average number of blocked peripheral nerve of upper extrmity was 4.4±1.7. The order of rate of block was medial cutaneous n. of forearm, ulnar n., medial cutaneous n. of arm, median n., radial n., musculocutaneous n. and axillary n..

Conclusion

We found that a PNS can be utilized to establish blockade of the upper extrimity, but the success rate is not different than other methods, But it is appropriate for blocks established by beginner without complication.

Keywords: Axillry brachial plexus block; Peripheral nerve stimulation