Ultrasound-guided Brachial Plexus Block at the Supraclavicular Level: A New Parasagittal Approach

The study evaluates a new approach to ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block using a supraclavicular parasagittal approach. Sixty outpatients scheduled for hand surgery were given brachial plexus block utilising the new approach. Time taken for block procedure was short and onset time for sensory block was rapid, using a low volume of local anaesthetic agent, with the volume decided by the operator under direct visualisation of spread. The nerve stimulator was not used. Only 10% required limited peripheral supplementation. Complications were limited to Horner’s syndrome in four patients and small vessel puncture in one.