Regional anesthesia
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Regional anesthesia · May 1995
Case ReportsSelective musculocutaneous nerve block and infraclavicular brachial plexus anesthesia. Case report.
Regional anesthesia of the upper extremity may be achieved by the infraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus. ⋯ Stimulation of the musculocutaneous nerve in the infraclavicular region results in biceps muscle contraction. Inadequate anesthesia of the upper extremity may result due to exiting of the musculocutaneous nerve outside the axillary sheath in this region. Evidence of more distal stimulation (finger/wrist flexion) improves the likelihood of successful block of the brachial plexus by the infraclavicular route.
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Regional anesthesia · May 1995
Importance of the needle bevel during spinal and epidural anesthesia.
The needle bevel has an important effect on the path that the needle takes as it traverses tissue. Many anesthesiologists, especially trainees, are unaware of the magnitude of this effect. There is a need for a model, constructed from readily available materials, that can be used to demonstrate the bevel effect and to assess various strategies for accurately advancing the needle. ⋯ Styrofoam blocks provide a model for teaching the basics of spinal and epidural anesthesia. By utilizing styrofoam the trainee can master needle control and gauge the effect of bevel orientation.