Effectiveness of Echogenic and Nonechogenic Needles in Ultrasound Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

The aim of the investigators study was to find out the better among the echogenic and nonechogenic needle in needle tip/shaft visibility and the block success rate in ultrasound guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Sixty patients were randomized into two groups, Group E (echogenic group) and Group NE (nonechogenic group) with thirty patients in each group. The ultrasound imaging of each nerve block was video recorded for later analysis. Recording commenced from skin puncture and stopped at the time of final needle removal (total block time). After each block the performer was asked to subjectively score the percentage time he had visualized the needle tip and needle shaft on a 5 point scale (1 = 0%-20%, 2 = 20%-40%, 3 = 40%- 60%, 4 = 60%-80%, 5 = 80%-100%). The recorded video was later analysed by an investigator. An objective measurement of percentage needle tip visibility and needle shaft visibility was calculated for each nerve block using the formula,

Time in view (needle tip) / total block time x 100

Time in view (needle shaft) / total block time x 100

The subjective assessment for needle tip/shaft visibility as scored by the performer and the objective assessment from the recorded block procedure video were noted. Other block parameters were also compared.

Inclusion criteria

• 18-60 years, both male and female scheduled for upper extremity surgery

Exclusion criteria

• Clinically significant coagulopathy
• Local anesthetic allergy
• Preexisting motor or sensory deficit in the operative limb
• Uncontrolled hypertension and unstable Ischemic Heart disease
• Body mass index > 35
• Patients who needs general anaesthesia for surgery