Obliteration of the axillary artery after axillary block

Abstract

A case of total obliteration of the axillary artery after axillary block is presented. This resulted from an accidental intramural injection of local anaesthetic (mepivacaine 1%, 40 ml, with adrenaline 1:200,000). Axillary block was performed using the loss of resistance technique with a blunt needle (45 degrees bevel). The diagnosis was made by palpation of the peripheral pulse and by comparison between the skin temperatures of each arm. The thrombosed part of the artery was successfully reconstructed with an autologous saphenous vein graft.