Which section of the brachial plexus is blocked with a supraclavicular block?

Supraclavicular block The brachial plexus is most compact at the level of the trunks formed by the C5–T1 nerve roots, so nerve block at this level has the greatest likelihood of blocking all of the branches of the brachial plexus.

Which nerve is spared in supraclavicular block?

The intercostobrachial nerve (which is derived from T2 and therefore not part of the brachial plexus) is frequently not blocked by the supraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus. It supplies a small strip of skin along the medial aspect of the upper arm.

Where is brachial plexus block?

A brachial plexus block is a medical procedure that involves the administration of a dose of local anesthetic into an area either in your neck, above your collarbone or into your upper arm (near the armpit).

What does the supraclavicular block cover?

The supraclavicular block is used for surgeries or postoperative pain control for the upper extremities. It is best for areas below the mid-humerus level. Above the mid-humerus, the shoulder area, an interscalene block would provide better coverage. However, if enough volume is used it can diffuse to the shoulder area.

What is supraclavicular block?

The supraclavicular block is a regional anesthetic technique used as an alternative or adjunct to general anesthesia or used for postoperative pain control for upper extremity surgeries (mid-humerus through the hand).

What is a brachial plexus nerve block?

What is a brachial plexus block? The brachial plexus is a group of nerves between your spine and your shoulder. For some surgeries on the shoulder, arm, or hand, a doctor may do a brachial plexus nerve block. This is an injection (shot) of numbing medicine that helps keep your pain level lower during and after surgery.

What is supraclavicular nerve block?

What does a supraclavicular block cover?

How do you do the brachial plexus block?

Insert a block needle in-plane from posterior to anterior and lateral to medial, aiming for the deep portion of the brachial plexus where it overlies the first rib. Confirm negative aspiration, then inject a small amount of local anesthetic to raise the plexus off of the first rib.

What is the purpose of a supraclavicular block?

INTRODUCTION. The supraclavicular block is one of several techniques used to anesthetize the brachial plexus. The block is performed at the level of the brachial plexus trunks where almost the entire sensory, motor, and sympathetic innervation of the upper extremity is carried in just three nerve structures confined to a very small surface area.

Where can I find video of a brachial plexus nerve block?

Supplementary video related to this nerve block can be found at Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Nerve Block Video. FIGURE 7. The desired spread of local anesthetic (blue-shaded areas) in two different needle positions to accomplish brachial plexus (BP) nerve block.

What does the supraclavicular brachial plexus look like?

FIGURE 3. Supraclavicular brachial plexus (BP; yellow arrows) seen slightly superficial and posterolateral to the subclavian artery (SA). The brachial plexus is enveloped by a connective tissue sheath. Note the intimate location of the pleura and lung to the brachial plexus and subclavian artery.

What equipment is needed for a supraclavicular brachial plexus block?

The equipment needed for a supraclavicular brachial plexus block includes the following: • Ultrasound machine with linear transducer (8–18 MHz), sterile sleeve, and gel (or other acoustic coupling agent; eg, saline) • Standard nerve block tray. • 20–25 mL local anesthetic.