A practical guide to commonly performed ultrasound-guided peripheral-nerve blocks.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Regional anesthesia has experienced a tremendous renaissance of interest over the past several years. Much of this renewed enthusiasm among clinicians is due to the increased usage of ultrasound guidance for peripheral-nerve blocks. This review serves as a useful foundation for the most commonly employed ultrasound-guided blocks utilized by the clinician. RECENT FINDINGS: With recent advances in both sonographic capability and access for anesthesia providers, many peripheral-nerve blocks have become quite amenable to being placed with ultrasound guidance. In addition, the subspecialty of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is being further pioneered via both anatomical and pharmacological studies. SUMMARY: With ultrasound guidance, the regional anesthesiologist has yet another tool to enhance both the accuracy and success of peripheral-nerve blockade. This article serves to display the most clinically relevant nerve blocks utilized in the perioperative setting. It is meant to be used as a clinical starting point for the development of regional anesthesia skills.

Duke Scholars

Author Gavin Martin Anesthesiology, Regional