Interscalene Nerve Block
The interscalene nerve block is performed by injecting a local anesthetic to the nerves of the brachial plexus as it passes through the groove between the anterior and middle scalene muscles, at the level of the cricoid cartilage. The patient will be lying down on their back with head facing opposite of effected side. The physician will then inject the local anesthetic. Following injection, the physician will then place a catheter around the nerves of the brachial plexus using ultrasonic guidance. Once the catheter is placed, the physician will then inject more local anesthetic through the catheter to asses placement. When placement is complete, a gauze will placed over the injection site and catheter along with a bandage over the gauze. The patient will then be provided our unique pump system attached to their catheter. This catheter and pump system will stay in place for 72 hours, continually pumping the local anesthetic. After 72 hours the catheter will be removed by a nurse if requested.
This block is particularly useful in treating CRPS as well as providing anesthesia and postoperative analgesia for surgery to the clavicle, shoulder, and arm.
Interscalene Nerve Block Procedure