SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK USING A NERVE STIMULATOR AND AN INSULATED NEEDLE

Abstract

A technique employing a nerve stimulator and an insulatEd neadle wm used for supraclavicular brachial plexus block in 71 patients using 0.5% plain bupiwcaine 15–20 ml. The mean minimal stimulating current to produce paraathesia wns 0.09 mA. The plexus was identified at a mean depth of 27 mm below the skin. The block wan successful in 98% of patients when the stimulation was felt in the indax middle or ring finger, but was ofim incomplete when felt in the thumb or little finger.