Ultrasound Guidance Improves the Success Rate of a Perivascular Axillary Plexus Block

Background: Traditional approaches to performing brachial plexus blocks via the axillary approach have varying success rates. The main objective of this study was to evaluate if a specific technique of ultrasound guidance could improve the success of axillary blocks in comparison to a two injection transarterial technique.

Methods: Fifty-six ASA physical status I-III patients presenting for elective hand surgery were prospectively randomized to receive an axillary block performed by either a transarterial technique (Group TA) or an ultrasound-guided perivascular approach (Group US). Both groups received a total of 30 ml of 1.5% lidocaine (225 mg) with 5 microg/ml epinephrine. Patients were then evaluated for block onset in specific nerve distributions and whether or not the block acted as a surgical anesthetic.

Results: Group TA sustained more failures defined as conversion to general anesthesia or the inability to localize the artery [Group TA eight patients (29%) vs. Group US in which 0 patients required conversion to general anesthesia (0%) P < 0.01]. Group US demonstrated a reduction in performance times vs. Group TA (7.9 +/- 3.9 min vs. 11.1 +/- 5.7 min, P < 0.05). By 30 min post-injection, there were no significant differences between groups TA and US in terms of the proportion of patients demonstrating a complete motor or sensory loss.

Conclusion: Ultrasonographic guidance improves the overall success rate of axillary blocks in comparison to a transarterial technique.