Articles: nerve-block.
-
The vertical infraclavicular blockade of the brachial plexus (VIP) according to Kilka et al.is a technique which has gained more importance over the past years. This method distinguishes itself from other periclavicular techniques by a very low risk of pneumothorax (0.2%), which seems to be increased with asthenic patients. ⋯ As a consequence, we assume that if the distance between the leading points jugulum and ventral process of acromion is smaller than 20 cm, the puncture point for a vertical infraclavicular blockade of the brachial plexus should be lateralized as described above; additionally, the "finger-point" should be determined in order to verify the puncture point and to finally give an idea of the direction, in case of a possible need for correcting the puncture point.
-
For the repair of an open injury to the hand, a continuous axillary block was performed in a 40- year-old male patient. Slight resistance was experienced during advancement of the catheter. ⋯ Three days later the removal of the catheter proved to be difficult due to a knot in the distal part of the catheter. This seems to be the first report of a knot in a catheter used for continuous axillary plexus block.