BACKGROUND Infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation is not commonly used for central venous access because identifying the surface landmarks is difficult. Ultrasound guided axillary vein puncture has not been well described. We assessed ultrasound imaging to guide catheterization of the infraclavicular axillary vein. METHODS In 200 consecutive patients we attempted to catheterize the axillar...

BACKGROUND Infraclavicular approach of the subclavian veins is commonly used for central venous access. However, aberrant catheter tip locations are frequently quoted for this approach. It was hypothesized that with the shoulder pulled downwards, the angle between the internal jugular and subclavian veins may increase, directing subclavian catheters into the internal jugular vein. This prospect...

A 23-year-old male British soldier developed a progressive sensory loss and weakness in his right arm during a 12 km training run with a load of approximately 70 kg. There was no recovery of his symptoms within 3 months and both MRI and USS did not demonstrate a site of compression within the brachial plexus. An infraclavicular brachial plexus exploration was performed 11 months after injury th...

BACKGROUND Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumours, progressively expanding in volume. Beside frequent aesthetic consequences, lipomas can also exert pressure on surrounding tissues and structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case of a subpectoral infraclavicular lipoma compressing the axillo-subclavicular neurovascular bundle, produced unilateral brachialgia, thereby simulating a Thoracic Outlet ...

Despite multiple advantages, subclavian vein (SCV) cannulation via the traditional landmark approach has become less used in comparison to ultrasound (US) guided internal jugular catheterization due to a higher rate of mechanical complications. A growing body of evidence indicates that SCV catheterization with real-time US guidance can be accomplished safely and efficiently. While several cannu...

Upper extremity blocks are useful as both sole anaesthesia and/or a supplement to general anaesthesia and they further provide effective postoperative analgesia, reducing the need for opioid analgesics. There is without doubt a renewed interest among anaesthesiologists in the interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary plexus blocks with the increasing use of ultrasound guidanc...

Nerve stimulation and ultrasound have been introduced to the practice of regional anesthesia mostly in the last two decades. Ultrasound did not gain as much popularity as the nerve stimulation until a decade ago because of the simplicity, accuracy and portability of the nerve stimulator. Ultrasound is now available in most academic centers practicing regional anesthesia and is a popular tool am...