MedPath

Clinical And Anatomic Study Of An Ultrasound-Guided Superior Trunk Of The Brachial Plexus

Not Applicable
Conditions
Shoulder Surgery
Brachial Plexus Block
Interventions
Procedure: Bupivacaine - Superior Trunk Block
Registration Number
NCT03512990
Lead Sponsor
Federal University of São Paulo
Brief Summary

Introduction

Interscalene brachial plexus block is the most commonly performed regional anesthesia technique to promote analgesia for shoulder surgeries. However, one of limitations is the risk of phrenic nerve palsy despite injection of low volumes, being contraindicated in patients with limited pulmonary reserve.

Burckett-St.Laurent et al described an alternative approach to avoid phrenic block - the superior trunk approach.

In this case series, the investigators suggest a modification of Burckett-St.Laurent's technique. The objective of this study is to evaluate efficacy, phrenic nerve function and contrast dispersion in cadavers after performing this new approach.

Materials and methods

The study was approved by Institutional Review Board of our institution. To perform the superior trunk approach described by Burckett-St.Laurent, C5 and C6 nerve roots are identified within the interscalene groove and traced distally to where they coalesce into the superior trunk, proximal to the takeoff of the suprascapular nerve. Burckett-St.Laurent et al suggest spreading local anesthetic around superior trunk at this point.

The investigators suggest an injection more distally, where superior trunk is in costoclavicular space below omohyoid muscle, proximal to the suprascapular outlet. The needle is advanced below the prevertebral layer of deep cervical fascia, avoiding that the tip of the needle lies in the fascial plane between investing layer of deep vertebral fascia and prevertebral layer, a loose fascial plane where lymph node chain is located and may allow postero-anterior dispersion toward phrenic. To guarentee right position of the tip the investigators suggest an intracluster pattern of spread.

Patients scheduled for rotator cuff surgery will receive 6 mL of 0,5% bupivacaine in this new approach. Successful block is defined as motor score of ≤ 2 on modified Bromage scale in the deltoid and bíceps; absent sensation to cold and pinprick sensation in C5 and C6 dermatomes within 30 minutes of injection.

To evaluate phrenic nerve, diaphragmatic excursion will be assessed by ultrasonography of ipsilateral hemidiaphragm and impedance tomography. Pain scores and analgesic consumption will be assessed in PACU.

Moreover, 6 mL of methylene blue will be injected into cadavers to evaluate if dispersion is restricted to fibers of the superior trunk and don't reach phrenic nerve.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
10
Inclusion Criteria
  • ASA I or II
  • BMI < 35 kg/m²
  • Patients scheduled for rotator cuff surgery
Exclusion Criteria
  • cognitive impairment or active psychiatric condition
  • infection at the puncture site of the blockade
  • coagulopathy
  • history of allergy to bupivacaine

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Bupivacaine - Superior Trunk BlockBupivacaine - Superior Trunk BlockPatients scheduled for rotator cuff surgery received 6 mL of 0,5% bupivacaine in the superior Trunk. 6 mL of methylene blue will be injected into cadavers with the same technique.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Superior Trunk Successful Blockwithin 30 minutes of injection

Evaluate the efficacy of the block: Successful block was defined as motor score of ≤ 2 on modified Bromage scale in the deltoid and bíceps; absent sensation to cold and pinprick sensation in C5 and C6 dermatomes

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Phrenic nerve Blockat 30 minutes

Evaluate the phrenic function after the block: To evaluate phrenic nerve, diaphragmatic excursion was assessed by ultrasonography of ipsilateral hemidiaphragm

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Federal University of Sao Paulo

🇧🇷

Sao Paulo, Brazil

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath