Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesiology in vascular surgery

Regional anaesthesiology is well established and frequently used by anaesthetists for several specific procedures in vascular surgery. Detection of peripheral nerves for regional anaesthesia or pain management is commonly performed by using nerve stimulation. Unfortunately, stimulation of nerves is limitated by several factors. Diagnostic and interventional ultrasound is widespread in medicine. In creasing availability of small, high resolution ultrasound machines has led to their in creased use in anaesthetic areas, such as vessel access or nerve block. Ultrasound may detect and visualize the position of peripheral nerves. In addition, the imaging of needle placement and spread of local anaesthetics may be aided by correct ultrasound interpretation. Direct imaging of tar get nerves with ultrasound-guided puncture and injection of local agents seems to be a valid method in the clinical practice of anaesthetists in the area of vascular surgery. The purpose of the re view is to illustrate this new method and approach to peripheral nerves for regional anesthesia.