• Yi-Wei Kuo, I-Chen Lu, Mu-Kun Yen, Lee-Ying Soo, David Vi Lu, and Koung-Shing Chu.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
• Acta Anaesthesiol Taiwan. 2007 Mar 1; 45 (1): 27-32.

BackgroundThe coracoid infraclavicular block first introduced by Whiffler provides a safer and easily approach than classic infraclavicular block. In this technique, the anatomy-based puncture site is 2 cm medial and 2 cm caudal from the coracoid process. This prospective study was purposed to evaluate the feasibility of surface landmark-based coracoid block by ultrasonography.MethodsHigh-frequency ultrasonographic examination was performed in 80 volunteers along the vertical line 2 cm medial to the coracoid process. The C point (C) is defined as landmark-based puncture site. The U point (U) is defined as the ultrasonographically modified optimal puncture site. After identifying the neurovascular bundle, the extent of precision based on landmark was examined and ultrasonographic measurements were also done. Demographic data was applied to correlate with the deviation between C and U.ResultsThe landmark-based puncture site for coracoid infraclavicular block was found to have a fair precision rate of 74.4%, although not high enough to provide a reliable puncture in daily practice. There was a significant trend toward a more superior puncture site of 2.95 mm (95% CI, 1.2-4.7). In female subjects, U was 5.12 mm (95% CI, 2.91-7.33) superior to C which was statistically significantly (P < 0.001). In male subjects, U was not significantly superior to C.ConclusionsUltrasonographic guidance is suggested whenever anatomical precision is inadequate or meeting with great individual bodily variance which renders landmark-based technique difficult. However, if this facility is not available, the gender discrepancy in measurement should be seriously considered when coracoid process is used as the landmark.

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