Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Anesthetic Volume for Ultrasound-Guided “Double Bubble” Infraclavicular Block: Comparison of Ropivacaine 0.75% 30ml Vs 35ml.

Alessandro Di Filippo, Adele Molinaro, Amer Georges Iskandar, Rossella Deodati, Christian Visco, Alberto Boccaccini, Maria Consolata Campolo and Angelo Raffaele De Gaudio

For an UltraSound guided Infraclavicular Block, a non-inferiority randomized study was conducted comparing two volumes of ropivacaine 0.75%: 35 ml vs 30ml. Fifty 18-70 years old patients undergoing upper limb surgery, ASA I-II were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included existing neurologic disease, coagulopathy, allergy, pregnancy, previous surgery in clavicular region, BMI more than 30 kg/m2 or patients unable to give written consent. Using US guidance, a 22 gauge/80 mm SonoPlex needle (Pajunk®) was advanced until the tip was located dorsally to the artery at a 6-o’clock position. Correct placement was ensuring by a “double bubble” sign. The block was performed by delivering ropivacaine 0.75% via an infusion pump (Alaris® PK) at 600 ml/h.