Comparison of Different Approaches for Supraclavicular Block and Their Effects on Diaphragm Muscle Function

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Trial end date: 2022-03-02

Summary

Brachial plexus blocks used for anesthesia in upper extremity operations can be performed with interscalene, axillary, supraclavicular and infraclavicular approaches.

Plexus blockage can be performed under the guidance of needle nerve stimulation, artery palpation or ultrasonography (USG).

Nowadays, the simultaneous use of USG during the block allows the protection of structures such as nerves, pleura and vessels, and allows practitioners to see the needle and the spread of local anesthetic during the injection.

Although supraclavicular block seems to be advantageous because the brachial plexus is more compact and superficial in this region, it has a disadvantage of being close to the pleura. (Increased risk of pneumothorax) With the use of USG, this risk has decreased and the supraclavicular block has become an alternative to infraclavicular block, which is widely used in upper extremity surgery.

Due to the compact structure of the brachial plexus trunk at the first rib level, the application of the block is easier and the block formation is faster due to the peripheral spread of the local anesthetic.

With the spread of local anesthetic to C3-C5 nerve roots in the brachial plexus, paralysis can be seen in the ipsilateral phrenic nerve up to 67%. Patients who will be operated on, especially in patients with respiratory distress, may experience respiratory distress due to the dysfunction of that side diaphragm muscle. With the help of ultrasound, the inspiratory and end-expiratory thickness of the diaphragm is measured with the Diaphragm Thickness Index (DTI), which is a new and effective method used as a mechanical ventilator weaning index in intensive care units. With this method, we can examine the effect of phrenic nerve block on diaphragm muscle due to local anesthesia in the acute period.

DTI is calculated as a percentage from the following formula:

(Max thickness at the end of inspiration - Max thickness at the end of the expiration) / Max thickness at the end of the expiration. By comparing 3 different approaches used in supraclavicular block, we aimed to investigate the most appropriate block approach in terms of effectiveness, speed, complication rate, effects on diaphragm and 6 months effects.

• Phase: Phase 4

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital
• Treatments: Bupivacaine; Epinephrine; Epinephryl borate; Pharmaceutical Solutions; Prilocaine; Racepinephrine