AANA journal
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of axillary block techniques: is there a difference in success rates?
This study compared the success rates between two accepted methods of performing axillary blocks, the peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) and the transarterial (TA) techniques. Success was based on blocking the nerves involved in the surgery. Following institutional review board approval and informed consent, 57 patients between the ages of 18 and 86 years of age scheduled for elective upper extremity surgery were studied. ⋯ There were no significant side effects reported by the patients postoperatively. The axillary nerve was the only nerve with an increased success rate using the TA technique. This indicates that both techniques are equally acceptable.