NCT01852396

The Retroclavicular Approach for Regional Anesthesia

Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Regional Anesthesia by the Novel Retroclavicular Approach : A Feasibility Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Université de Sherbrooke · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this study is to demonstrate that the novel retroclavicular approach is a safe, fast and effective technique for ultrasound-guided brachial plexus anesthesia.

Detailed description

Classic infraclavicular approach of the brachial plexus involves a needle puncture below the clavicle and advancing the needle with a 45-60 degree angle from cephalad to caudad. The aim is to advanced the block needle posterior to the axillary artery and to deposit the local anesthetic at that point, near the posterior cord. A "U" shaped spread around the artery should ensure distribution around all three cords. Ultrasound guidance is highly recommended and neurostimulation is optional. The retroclavicular approach is a variant to this classical technique. Ultrasound probe is positioned initially below the clavicle in a manner similar to the classic approach but is then rotated in a clockwise fashion (right arm) or counter-clockwise fashion (left arm) for about 25-35 degrees. The puncture site is just behind the clavicle at the most lateral point available. If initial entry point is optimal, needle direction is then parallel to ultrasound probe. The final aim and position of block needle is identical to classical approach. Entry point ensures a parallel alignment of the needle and the ultrasound beam, thus enabling almost perfect visualization of both artery, cords and block needle. This is turn optimizes safety, rapidity of technique, efficiency and efficacy.

Conditions

• Describe Novel Approach to Brachial Plexus Anesthesia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Retroclavicular block	Retroclavicular approach ultrasound guided regional anesthesia

Timeline

• Start date: 2013-04-01
• Primary completion: 2013-05-01
• Completion: 2013-05-01
• First posted: 2013-05-13
• Last updated: 2013-08-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada