Ultrasound Guidance Improves Peripheral Nerve Block Success Rate

Rachel Fields -

Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks have a higher success rate compared to nerve stimulation or other methods, according to a study conducted by the Department of Anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University and published in the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia.

The researchers looked at16 published randomized controlled trials of patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. Patients underwent ultra-sound guided or non-ultrasound techniques (such as nerve stimulation or surface landmark) for peripheral nerve blocks.

Success rates demonstrated that ultrasound-guided nerve blocks were overall more successful, even when compared to nerve stimulator techniques only. Ultrasound-guided techniques also increased the success of specific blocks, such as brachial plexus nerve blocks, sciatic popliteal nerve block and brachial plexus axillary nerve blocks.

Read the report on ultrasound guidance for peripheral nerve blocks.

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