Needle-Guided vs Free-Hand Technique in Performing Brachial Plexus Blockade

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Needle Guidance; Nerve Blocks

In brief

This is an openly randomized controlled parallel group study evaluating the effectiveness of using a guided approach and free-hand approach in performing upper extremity regional blocks. Potential subjects for this study are the patients who are scheduled for upper extremity surgeries requiring supraclavicular and interscalene brachial plexus blocks at Montefiore Medical Center. Rotating residents who are participating in the study will be randomly assigned either to perform block under guided approach (with the help of needle guidance) or free-hand without the needle guidance. All the blocks will be single injection blocks utilizing the in-plane technique for needle insertion which is the usual protocol in our institution. Each resident will be performing one interscalene block with the device and one without the device and one supraclavicular block with device and one without the device. An independent observer will be present during the case and will be responsible for recording the time taken to perform the block, number of times the needle has been redirected and the number of times the needle is reinserted. This observer will also administer the satisfaction questionnaire. Number of time needle is redirected and number of times reinserted is also a self reported assessment by the physician who is performing the block. Efficacy of the block will be assessed by the standard of care practiced at our center.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT02380183

Run by

Montefiore Medical Center

People needed

70

Starts

2014-10-01

Expected to finish

2015-06-01

Last updated by the study team

2019-03-12

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age ≥18 years old
• ASA 1-3 for upper extremity surgery receiving interscalene or supraclavicular blockade
• Able to understand and sign the informed consent

You may not qualify if…

• Patient refusal of regional anesthesia
• Any contraindications to regional anesthesia
• Any anatomical or neurological disorders (also applicable to the diagnosis made by the anesthesiologist prior to randomization of the patient)
• Any other condition /diagnosis by the anesthesiologist that could compromise performing the block

Where it is running

• Montefiore Medical Center — The Bronx, New York, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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