Infraclavicular brachial plexus block

The infraclavicular block is a useful but underused technique for regional anesthesia of the upper limb. With a single shot dose of local anesthetic solution, it bathes all the cords of the brachial plexus. An advantage of the approach is the needle direction, because it moves away from the lung, avoiding respiratory complication (neumothorax). The block provides an effective, safe, and complete anesthesia of the upper limb and allows surgery of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and third distal region of the arm. It is an ideal choice for patients in the ambulatory setting. The accurate way in which the catheter may be fixed on the anterior chest wall, makes it the best choice for continuous techniques.

Keywords: Regional anesthesia, Brachial plexus block, Infraclavicular approach, Peripheral nerve stimulation, Motor response, Local anesthetics