Anesth Analg 2006;102:610-614
© 2006 International Anesthesia Research Society
doi: 10.1213/01.ane.0000195228.65280.b4
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA
The Feasibility and Efficacy of Short Axillary Catheters for Emergency Upper Limb Surgery: A Descriptive Series of 120 Cases
Régis Fuzier, MD,
Olivier Fourcade, MD, PhD,
Valérie Fuzier, MD,
Sylvie Arnold, MD,
Jane Torrie, MD, and
Michel Olivier, MD
Department of Anesthesiology and Emergency Care, University Hospital Center, Purpan Hospital, Toulouse Cedex, France
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Régis Fuzier, MD, Department of Anesthesiology, CHU Purpan, Place Dr Baylac, TSA 40031, F-31059 Toulouse Cedex, France. Address e-mail to fuzier.r{at}chu-toulouse.fr.
We prospectively evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of a simple method for inserting 5.1-cm brachial plexus catheters using a fascial click technique. In 120 patients, after inserting an axillary catheter by a resident and verifying adequate position using a nerve stimulator, 0.7 mL/kg 1% mepivacaine was injected. Success of blockade (analgesia at 40 min in the 4 terminal nerves), analgesia efficacy, and resident autonomy were recorded. The primary success rate was 87%. Reinjections were performed preoperatively and perioperatively in 40% and 50% of patients, respectively. The resident completed the technique in 91% of cases. We conclude that this technique is easily performed by residents in training and is associated with frequent success for anesthesia and postoperative analgesia.
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