Advances in Ultrasound-guided Nerve Block：Brachial Plexus Block

Abstract

Regional anesthesia for upper limb has used to be expert technology even with electric stimulation technique for brachial plexus blocks. In the past decade, ultrasound guided upper extremity peripheral nerve block has become popular among Japanese anesthesiologists. This technique improves the visualization of nerves and control of needle movement and spread of injected local anesthetics solution, and can therefore reduce the amount of local anesthetic required. Moreover, selective administration of an anesthetic to specific nerve/sensory branches decreases the incidence of unnecessary block preserves motor function and enables diversified hand surgery.