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Safety and Efficacy of the Infraclavicular Nerve Block Performed at Low Current
Author(s) -
Keschner Mitchell T.,
Michelsen Heidi,
Rosenberg Andrew D.,
Wambold Daniel,
Albert David B.,
Altman Robert,
Green Steven,
Posner Martin
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2006.00071.x
Subject(s) - medicine , anesthesia , nerve stimulator , nerve block , surgery , local anesthetic , nerve injury , complication , anesthetic
It has recently been suggested that peripheral nerve or plexus blocks performed with the use of a nerve stimulator at low currents (<0.5 mA) may result in neurologic damage. We studied the infraclavicular nerve block, performed with the use of a nerve stimulator and an insulated needle, in a prospective evaluation of efficacy and safety. During a one‐year period, 248 patients undergoing infraclavicular nerve block were evaluated for block success rate and incidence of neurologic complication. All blocks were performed with the use of a nerve stimulator and an insulated needle at ≤0.3 mA. Success rate was 94%, which increased to 96% with surgical infiltration of local anesthetic. There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications noted. After one week, only one patient had a neurologic complaint, and this was surgically related, referable to surgery performed on the radial nerve. We conclude that infraclavicular nerve blocks performed at low currents (≤0.3 mA) are safe and effective.