Regional Anesthesia Flashcards
1
Q
General principles for regional anesthesia?
A
-
Know your anatomy
- Facilitates your understanding of why certain side effects occur
- ie phrenic nerve blockade with interscalene block
- Facilitates the correct block for the correct procedure
- make sure you have the right coverage for the procedure!
- Facilitates your understanding of why certain side effects occur
-
Choose your patients carefully
- A reluctant patient may become upset should the technique fail or with the side effects of blocks
- Post operative destination
- Reliance on others for help
-
Allow adequate time for block to work
- Full onset of nerve blocks may not occur for 30 min ** important **
-
Be prepared for complications
- Airway management or Local Anesthetic toxicity
2
Q
Benefits of block?
A
- Fast Pain relief
- Decreased risk of intraoperative bleeding, stroke, and MI
- Decreased intraoperative need for narcotics
* less N/V, less constipation, faster wake up and discharge
- Decreased intraoperative need for narcotics
- Minimal Risk compared to Traditional Pain Management
* no respiratory depression
- Minimal Risk compared to Traditional Pain Management
- May be able to avoid General Anesthesia for certain cases
* good for patient with bad heart, kidney, brain
- May be able to avoid General Anesthesia for certain cases
3
Q
Risks and contraindications of blocks?
A
- In rare cases, nerve damage can cause persistent numbness, weakness, or pain.
- most cases resolve within 6 months and almost all by a year
- 0.05% risk of nerve damage
- typically position related and generally a strip of numbness that is gone in a couple of weeks
- if persistent weakness- dx- EMG- tests signal from the nerve, have to wait a couple of weeks before pt can get it
- always think of who you’re blocking. If pt relies on arm for professional reasons (ie football player), don’t block them. too risky
- Risk of systemic toxicity if the anesthetic is absorbed through the bloodstream into the body.
- if patient is maxed out on LA for block placement. DON’T GIVE IV LIDOCAINE ON INDUCTION
- Block depending risks such as hematoma, pneumothorax, phrenic n. paralysis, etc.
- Contraindications are decided on a case by case basis. Each person should be evaluated for their lung and heart function, prexisting motor or sensory loss, diabetic neuropathy, history of block failure or block related nerve injury in the past, body habitus, and coagulation status
- if you can compress the PNB site (IE ISB/SCB, you can hold pressure. But ICB, hard to hold pressure. Bad to block someone at increase r/f bleeding if you can’t hold pressure at PNB site.
4
Q
Who is a block candidate?
A
- hose who have capacity and understand that they will have a numb arm
- Those who are are IN-capacitated but the risk of GA for urgent/ emergent cases is life threatening compared to the risk of a block
- while she would not block someone with only one finger left from diabetic neuropathy, she would block them if there was a high risk of the patient dying on the table during induction
- Patients with a history of Chronic Pain who are on high doses of opioids at home or who are on drugs such as suboxone that render administered opioids ineffective
5
Q
Who is NOT a block candidate?
A
- Patient’s you do not trust to take care of themselves
- Patient’s who do not have reliable help or will not be able to get into their homes due to the block
- Patients who say NO
- never push someone to get a block. you can explain why the block is helpful but never coerce someone to do a block
- Infection over the site (local anesthetic rendered ineffective)
- Anti-coagulated and case requires a “deep” block
- ** granted based on local anesthetic chosen, if you feel someone would benefit from a block but it needs to wear off you can use a shorter acting local anesthetic
6
Q
How do local anesthetics work?
A
Prevents initiation and propagation of action potential
- Deactivation of the sodium channel
- Renders transmembrane Na+ channel impermeable to inward surge of sodium ions
- Action potential generated by Na+ concentration gradient
- Renders transmembrane Na+ channel impermeable to inward surge of sodium ions
- Resting membrane potential not affected
- Generated by K+ ion concentration gradient
Adjusting pH can alter the amount that is nonionized (and thus cross the nerve membrane to block the Na+ channel)
-
decrease pH (acidosis) ®–> increase cation (ionized), decrease base (nonionized)
- Will not produce conditions for an adequate block
- increase pH (bicarbonate) –> decrease cation (ionized), increase base (nonionized)
- More likely produce conditions for an adequate block
Remember, LA needs to be non-ionized in order to diffuse through cell membrane to get to Na channel
7
Q
Pharmacokinetics of LA?
A
- Absorption
- Rate of LA absorption depends on vascularity of injection site
- Vascularity –> faster absorption, higher blood levels, shorter time to obtain peak levels
- Plasma concentrations
- Binding to plasma proteins: limits amount of unbound (free) drug
- if you have low albumin levels, no protein to bind–> increase r/f LAST and CNS toxicity
- Binds to albumin and globulin (a-1 acid glycoprotein)
- Binding to plasma proteins: limits amount of unbound (free) drug
- Clearance
- Shorter half-life and lower protein binding facilitates clearance
- Elimination rate dependent on concentration of free fraction
8
Q
Allergy to LA? System toxicity?
A
True allergy to LA extremely rare
- Mostly due to preservatives, additives and metabolites
- Amides may contain methylparaben (amide’s have 2 i’s)- according to apex a preservative that can rarely cause allergic reaction
- Esters have PABA which is more susceptible to allergic reaction (esters = only one “i” in name)
- No cross-sensitivity between classes of LA
- Often Epinephrine side effects mistaken as allergy
Systemic toxicity: dose- and time-dependent
- Adverse reactions more likely with higher serum levels/faster onset
- Rate of systemic absorption proportional to vascularity of site of injection: IV > Tracheal > Intercostal > Caudal > Epidural > Brachial plexus > Sciatic > Subcutaneous
- Main targets of toxicity: CNS, heart
- Receive relatively large fractions of cardiac output
9
Q
DOA for commonly used LA?
A
Ropivacaine – 12 hrs
Bupivacaine- 15 hrs *** with adjuncts, ropi and bupi can last 24 hours
Lidocaine- 2 hrs
Mepivacaine – 6 hrs **can be used for pts that need strong block for sx but the block also needs to wear off before they go home
Adjuncts can push the block time 2-12 hours
10
Q
Monitoring and sedation for PNB?
A
3 or 5 lead ekg
Pulse oximetry
Noninvasive BP
Supplemental Oxygen
Opioids and/or Benzodiazepine titrated to comfort but NOT general anesthesia.
11
Q
Clinical symptoms of LA toxicity?
A
Propagation of subcortical limbic excitation
- Clinical symptoms (with increasing doses):
- Circumoral numbness, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision
- Restlessness, agitation, nervousness, seizures
- CNS depression: slurred speech, drowsiness, unconsciousness
- May bypass earlier symptoms with arterial (esp. vertebral) injections and manifest as a seizure
12
Q
Cardiotoxicity with LA?
A
LA-induced dysrhythmias: sodium channel blocking effect of LA
- Prolongation of impulse conduction may lead to malignant arrhythmias
- Lidocaine: less potent and toxic: “fast-in, fast-out”
- Bupivacaine: more potent and toxic: “fast-in, slow-out”
- R(+) enantiomer has greater affinity for Na+ channel binding and thus toxicity
Treatment:
- Supportive (correct any hypoxemia or acidosis)
- ACLS protocol (except should not use lidocaine); previously used Bretylium
- INTRALIPID (not propofol)
13
Q
Intralipid treatment for LA toxicity?
A
- Equipment:
- 20% lipid emulsion
- Treatment regimen (NB: no standard method)
- 1.5 mL/kg as an initial bolus, followed by
- 0.25 mL/kg/min for 30-60 minutes
- Bolus could be repeated 1-2 times for persistent asystole
14
Q
Common block adjuncts?
A
- Adjuncts act to prolong block length without needing a catheter
- Most Common:
- Epinephrine- constricts blood vessel around LA to decrease uptake so block lasts longer
- Decadron- works at glucocorticoid to inhibit K channel. works whether you add to PNB or inject IV
- IV or inject into skin
- Less Common: clonidine, precedex
- can cause bradycardia/hypotension
15
Q
Landmark versus ultrasound approach to blocks?
A
Landmark:
- Palpation of arteries or purposefully hitting arteries
- Eliciting Paresthesias
- Palpating boney landmarks
- Use of Nerve Stimulators- patient with trauma/DM may not get response from nerve stimulator
- instead, poke nerve and get lightning paresthesia
Ultrasound:
- Identification of arteries, nerves, bone, and muscle
- Use of Nerve Stimulators
16
Q
Where do each of the UE PNB work on the brachial plexus?
A
- Interscalene- Roots/trunks
- Supraclavicular- division
- easiest block to have in arsenal
- all the nerves are packaged in one location
- infraclavicular- cords
- axillary- branches
- fails the most because you have to get them individually
17
Q
Targets for ISB?
A
- Start at clavicle, look at divisions (SCB) then follow it up until you see the “stoplight” of C5, C6, C7
- in theory the stoplight is C5-C7. There are sometimes anatomical variation in C5,C6 C7 and C5 will have to 2 branches. Never put needle between the 2 because you can cause nerve damage.
- only used for shoulder surgery. you don’t get coverage of C8 (ulnar nerve)
Link for VIDEO
- Brachial plexus sandwiched b/w anterior and middle scalene muscles
-
recognize the brachial plexus is lateral/superficial to Carotid artery and internal jugular vein
-
many vasculature in brachial plexus
- vertebral artery is very close to target- risk for intravascular injection
-
many vasculature in brachial plexus
- Pre-vertebral fascia has to be breached by needle to place LA in interscalene groove
18
Q
Technique for ISB?
A
- Sterilize skin
- Some providers admin LA
- don’t place needle too deep. placement of small gauge needle can result in intraneural injection
- needle placed lateral to medial
- enters prevertebral fascia and transveres the middle scalene muscle
- if using nerve stim- elicit nerve response, then decrease to <0.3 mA to ensure motor stim is lost and decreases r/f intraneural injection.
- maintain injection pressure <15 psi
- typically uses 15- 25 mL to ensure fast, reliable onset of anesthesia
19
Q
Complications of interscalene block?
A
- Pneumothorax
- in theory could cause a pneumothorax, but you’d have to be “way off”
- Epidural/intrathecal injection
- spine is also right by block site. can accidentally due epidural/intrathecal injection and then patient will go unconscious.
- Vertebral/carotid artery injection
- nterscalene block done at C6 cricoid cartilage area. very close to vertebral artery
- Hematoma
- Ulnar sparing
20
Q
S/E of ISB?
A
- 100% ipsilateral phrenic nerve paralysis
- Ipsilateral Horner’s syndrome common
- Frequent blockade of recurrent laryngeal nerve
-
Not a benign block. Less LA= less S/E
- let patient know they’ll have droopy eyelid, numb face etc
21
Q
US Landmarks for supraclavicular block
A
- US probe right on top of clavicle
- Aim to get US view with brachial plexus on top of first rib, less risk for pneumothorax (5%)
-
“bunch of grapes” is the brachial plexus
- ulnar nerve right by subclavian artery
- Easier to perform PNB with shoulder elevated
- place probe slightly cranial to clavicle and ID subclavian artery. scan upwards then trace nerves back to supraclavicular position to identify all the branches.
- ID pleura and first rib in US. Avoid pleura
- May have to retract and reposition needle to get shallower branches of brachial plexus
22
Q
Indication for SCB? Anatomy for SCB?
A
- Useful for procedures at elbow or more distal
- With neurostimulation has a substantially higher rate of pneumothorax compared to other upper extremity blocks
- Small studies suggest that there may be a lower pneumothorax rate with ultrasound guided technique in experienced hands
Anatomy
- Rapid onset as nerves are bundled tightly at this level (trunks/division)
- Anterior scalene inserts onto first rib
- Anterior scalene is in contact with pleural dome on medial side
- COPD is a relative contraindication for this block as pleural apex may be higher
23
Q
Indication for infraclavicular and approach for ICB?
A
- Surgery on the arm, forearm, and hand (mid-humerus down)
- May be the best choice for elbow surgery
Approach- VIDEO LINK
- Brachial plexus block at level of cords as arranged around the axillary artery
- cords hang out below pec major/pec minor
- block can be pretty deep (as deep as 6 cm)
- posterior cord below axillary artery, medial cord on side near axillary vein, lateral cord on opposite side axillary artery
- Almost no risk of pneumothorax
- lung very far away
- very limited block of phrenic nerve (only 10% as compared to 100% ISB, 50% SCB)
- Similar drug dosing as ISB or supraclavicular
26
Q
Anatomy for axillary block?
Technique?
A
- Uses the axillary artery as a landmark
- very superficial block that’s very compressible- good for anti-coag pts. no risk for pneumothorax
- The radial nerve runs behind the artery
- The ulnar nerve runs inferiorly
- The medial nerve lies superior to the artery
- transducer position- perpendicular to humerus in the axillary fossa
- Goal- local anesthetic spread around the axillary artery and nerves
- volume 15-20 mL
-
lots of variation in anatomy for this block
- in order to get musculocutaneous, 3-5 injections of 5-7 mL are necessary to cover median, radial, ulnar and musculocutaneous
29
Q
How do you perform a bier block?
A
- No ultrasound, essentially consists of injecting local anesthetic into the venous system of an upper or lower extremity that has been exsanguinated by compression for analgesia of arm. Depends on a functioning double tourniquet
-
Double tourniquet
- May prevent continuous pressure on nerves/blood vessels (posttourniquet paralysis)
-
Intravenous access in operative arm
- Insert IV catheter and attach to hep lock
- IV is removed after injection of LA
-
Esmarch bandage
- Facilitate exsanguination of blood from operative extremity
- Wrap from distal to proximal end
-
Local anesthetic
- Usually 50 ml of 0.5% lidocaine
- Bupivacaine not recommended due to potential cardiac toxicity
- lidocaine is quick on/off
- Duration of anesthesia limited primarily by tourniquet time constraints
- Usually 50 ml of 0.5% lidocaine
33
Q
Anatomy of the lumbar plexus?
A
- Derived from L2 to L4
- Divides into femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous (LFCN) and obturator nerves
- Provides motor and sensory to most of thigh, anterior knee and sensory to medial leg
35
Q
Femoral nerve anatomy?
A
- can perform block without ultrasound. palpate femoral artery and go lateral
-
2 major fascias
- fascia lata- on top (think latte)
- fascia iliaca- on bottom
-
fem artery between fascia and nerve below both
- if you can get through 2 fascia, and inject on fascia iliaca, it will get nerve
- Very superficial block, US depth only needs to be at 2 cm
- US transducer placed over anterior thigh at inguinal crease
- Fem nerve will be immediately lateral to femoral artery.
-
Fascial sheaths will be easily visible
-
Fascia iliac envelope femoral nerve
- fascia iliaca on top of iliopsoas muscle
-
Fascia iliac envelope femoral nerve
- Ensure absence of motor response <0.3 mA to decrease risk of intrafascicular injection
- several large vessels in vicinity of femoral nerve, always carefully aspirate to avoid inadvertent vascular injection
36
Q
Landmarks for adductor canal block?
A
-
blocks saphenous (terminal branch of femoral nerve)
- saphenous nerve is on top of FA like a hat. sometimes can be to the side
-
adductor canal named because it looks like a canal
- sartorius on top
- vastus medialis lateral
- adductor longus medial
- technically saphenous is sensory, but if you didn’t block low enough, one branch can go into the knee and provide motor for vastus medialis, and cause weakness
- Pt supine with thigh adducted and externally rotated
- probe placed transverse between middle and distal 1/3 of ant medial thigh
-
ID femoral artery- move probe distally until femoral artery is immediate under sartorius (boat shaped muscle)
- nerve to vastus medialis also located in adductor canal
- numb skin with lidocaine prior to insertion of block needle
- in plane insertion of block needle lateral to medial
- visualize needle puncturing fascia of sartorius, negative aspiration and then inject local
- only 10 cc or so of LA because you don’t want motor blockade!
37
Q
Sciatic nerve anatomy
A
- The largest nerve in the body (1.5-2 cm wide)
- Derives from L4-S3 nerve roots
- Supplies sensory to posterior thigh and all but medial aspect of leg and foot
- Supplies motor to hamstring and all muscles in leg and foot
38
Q
Pathway of sciatic nerve?
A
- Leaves the pelvis through greater sciatic foramen
- Innervates posterior thigh through posterior femoral cutaneous n.
- Divides above popliteal fossa into tibial and common peroneal n.
- _*therefore two places to block this nerve*_
- subgluteal/infragluteal/sciatic approach (same name)
- popliteal approach
- the nerve “flies apart” and comes back to heart shape. higher in leg, flattens into disc. doesn’t look like nerve until you look at it a lot
- typically need to use curvilinear probe on infragluteal approach.
- good for procedures with thigh tourniquets. provide coverage to posterior leg.
40
Q
Landmark for popliteal block?
A
-
want to hit sciatic nerve before it divides back into common peroneal and tibial.
- if you go too low, you’ll only get tibial N and then have a failed block
- Scan up and down leg to find location where common peroneal and tibial comes together
- small amt LA to numb skin
-
when block needle placed, inject LA
- inject 30 mL LA. don’t use epi! because vascularity if tenuous
Picture:
- Right:
- BF: biceps femoris
- ST: semitendinosus
- T: tibial
- CP: common peroneal
- Spares motor weakness of the thigh
41
Q
Where is the IPACK block?
A
Between vessel and femur so that only sensory is affected
42
Q
Mneumonic to remember expected motor response from nerve stim in popliteal block?
A
- TIP
- Tibial= inversion and plantar flexion
- PEED
- Peroneal= eversion dorsiflexion
44
Q
What nerves are blocked with ankle block?
A
5 Nerves supply the foot
- Sural
- Posterior Tibial
- Deep peroneal
- Superficial peroneal
- Saphenous (only branch of femoral n. and is sensory only)
45
Q
Approach for ankle block?
A
- Nerve stimulator not needed
- Can just do superficial ring around ankle
- US not needed
-
don’t need to block every nerve individually
- if doing amputation of toe, don’t need to block saphenous nerve
- Total of 20-40 cc local anesthetic injected for five nerves
- Inconsistent results
- May be uncomfortable for patient
Nerves blocked:
- Posterior tibial n.: Posterior to artery at level of medial malleolus, insert needle until contact with tibia. Slightly withdraw and inject 5-10cc
- Deep peroneal: Between extensor digitorum and extensor hallucis longus tendon at level of medial malleoli, insert needle perpendicular to skin and medial to anterior tibial artery until bone contact. Inject 5 cc local anesthetic
- Superficial peroneal: Superficial wheal of local anesthetic from medial malleoli to fibula
- Saphenous and sural n.: Subcutaneous local anesthetic posterior to medial malleolus and posterior to fibula
- VIDEO
46
Q
Refresh of nerve coverage for foot?
A
48
Q
Landmarks for TAP block?
A
- 3 layers of muscle to abdomen (internal oblique, external oblique and transversus abdominis)
- internal oblique always bigger than the other too
- further back you go, the greater chance at getting better spread with nerves
- VIDEO
