Ultrasound-guided technique allowed early detection of intravascular injection during an infraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Abstract

The reported incidence of complications after peripheral nerve blocks is generally low and varies from 0% to 5%. The injuries related to brachial plexus block are perhaps more commonly reported, than after peripheral blocks of the lower extremity nerves. Recent reports suggest that expert ultrasound guidance may reduce but not completely eliminate complications as intraneural or intravascular injection. We report a case of accidental intravascular injection of local anesthetic during infraclavicular brachial plexus block, in spite of the use of ultrasound guidance technique, and negative aspiration for blood.