Korean J Anesthesiol.  1995 Nov;29(5):755-758. 10.4097/kjae.1995.29.5.755.

Phrenic Nerve Paralysis following Interscalene Bracheal Plexus Block

• Yun MJ
• Kang H
• Lim SW

• KMID: 2299241
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1995.29.5.755

Abstract

Interscalene bracheal plexus block has became a popular method of anesthesia for surgical operation on the upper extremities. Possible complications are subarachnoid block, epidural block, phrenic nerve block, vagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve block, sympathetic nerve block, intravascular injection. But reported complications has been few and generally without prolonged effects. The following describes a patient who developed signs and symptoms suggestive of inadvertent phrenic nerve block and epidural anesthesia as complications of interscalene bracheal plexus block The complications were attributed to using of inferomedially directed 5 cm needle and then additional blind block of the brachial plexus with 5 or 6 times. We emphasize that if the appropriate length of needle and technique are not used, phrenic nerve paralysis and serious complications including total spinal or epidural block can occur as a result of a medially misdirected needle.

Keyword

Interscalene bracheal plexus block; Phrenic nerve block; Epidural anesthesia

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Anesthesia, Epidural
Autonomic Nerve Block
Brachial Plexus
Humans
Needles
Paralysis*
Phrenic Nerve*
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Upper Extremity