Korean J Anesthesiol.  2009 Nov;57(5):572-578. 10.4097/kjae.2009.57.5.572.

A clinical comparison of vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block using 0.75% or 0.5% ropivacaine for upper limb surgery

• Park JM
• Jung SM
• Cho CK
• Lim YS
• Ku JH
• Heo YM
• Song JH
• Yang CW

• KMID: 2092242
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2009.57.5.572

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We performed a prospective, double blind study to compare the clinical effect of vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block produced by 0.75% vs 0.5% ropivacaine for upper limb surgery.
METHODS
We included 80 patients receiving upper limb surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block. The infraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed via the vertical technique with 30 ml of 0.75% or 0.5% ropivacaine. By observation, we determined nerve type was stimulated and scored the level of sensory block and motor block. The quality of blocks was assessed intra-operatively. The duration of sensory block and motor block and their complications were assessed.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the frequency of stimulated nerve type, evolution of sensory and motor block quality, or success of block. There were no significant differences in the duration of sensory block and motor block. Vascular puncture was noted in 1 patient in the 0.75% ropivacaine.
CONCLUSIONS
Both the 0.75% and 0.5% ropivacaine had similar effects in the vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Keyword

Ropivacaine; Upper limb surgery; Vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block

MeSH Terms

Amides
Brachial Plexus
Double-Blind Method
Humans
Prospective Studies
Punctures
Upper Extremity
Amides