Intravenous regional anesthesia: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
 
 
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[file:August_Bier.jpg|thumb|August Bier]] [[file:LimbProtectionSleeve.jpg|thumb|LimbProtectionSleeve|left]] '''Intravenous regional anesthesia''' (IVRA), also known as a '''Bier block''', is a technique of [[regional anesthesia]] used to anesthetize a limb. It is commonly used for short surgical procedures on the extremities, such as [[hand surgery]] or [[foot surgery]].
{{Short description|A technique for anesthesia of a limb}}


== History ==
'''Intravenous regional anesthesia''' (IVRA), also known as '''Bier block''', is a technique used to anesthetize a limb for surgical procedures. It involves the administration of a local anesthetic into the venous system of the limb, which is isolated from the rest of the circulation by a tourniquet.
The technique was first described by the German surgeon [[August Bier]] in 1908. Bier's method involved the use of a tourniquet to isolate the limb's blood supply and the injection of a local anesthetic into the venous system of the limb.


== Procedure ==
==History==
The procedure begins with the application of a [[tourniquet]] to the limb to be anesthetized. The tourniquet is inflated to a pressure higher than the patient's [[systolic blood pressure]] to occlude blood flow. A local anesthetic, such as [[lidocaine]], is then injected into a vein in the limb. The anesthetic diffuses into the surrounding tissues, providing anesthesia to the entire limb.
[[File:August_Bier.jpg|thumb|left|August Bier, the pioneer of intravenous regional anesthesia]]
The technique was first described by the German surgeon [[August Bier]] in 1908. Bier's method involved the use of a tourniquet to occlude blood flow to the limb, followed by the injection of a local anesthetic into the venous system. This method provided effective anesthesia for limb surgeries and has been refined over the years.


=== Steps ===
==Technique==
1. '''Preparation''': The limb is exsanguinated, typically using an [[Esmarch bandage]].
[[File:Venadaxili_regional_anesteziya.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram of intravenous regional anesthesia procedure]]
2. '''Tourniquet application''': A double tourniquet is often used, with the proximal cuff inflated first.
The procedure begins with the application of a [[tourniquet]] to the limb to be anesthetized. The tourniquet is inflated to a pressure higher than the patient's systolic blood pressure to occlude arterial blood flow. Once the tourniquet is in place, a local anesthetic, such as [[lidocaine]], is injected into a vein in the limb.
3. '''Anesthetic injection''': The local anesthetic is injected into a peripheral vein.
4. '''Procedure''': The surgical or diagnostic procedure is performed.
5. '''Tourniquet deflation''': The tourniquet is deflated slowly to prevent a rapid washout of the anesthetic into the systemic circulation.


== Indications ==
The anesthetic diffuses into the surrounding tissues, providing anesthesia to the entire limb. The tourniquet prevents the anesthetic from entering the systemic circulation, thus localizing its effects to the limb.
IVRA is indicated for procedures on the extremities that are expected to last less than 60 minutes. Common indications include:
* [[Carpal tunnel release]]
* [[Ganglion cyst]] excision
* [[Fracture]] reduction
* [[Tendon repair]]


== Contraindications ==
==Applications==
Contraindications for IVRA include:
IVRA is commonly used for procedures on the extremities, such as hand or foot surgeries. It is particularly useful for short procedures, as the duration of anesthesia is limited by the time the tourniquet can be safely applied.
* Severe [[peripheral vascular disease]]
* [[Sickle cell disease]]
* [[Raynaud's phenomenon]]
* Allergy to local anesthetics


== Complications ==
==Advantages and Disadvantages==
While generally safe, IVRA can have complications, including:
The primary advantage of IVRA is its simplicity and effectiveness for limb surgeries. It provides rapid onset of anesthesia and is relatively easy to administer. However, the duration of anesthesia is limited by the tourniquet time, and there is a risk of systemic toxicity if the tourniquet fails or is released prematurely.
* [[Local anesthetic systemic toxicity]] (LAST)
* Tourniquet pain
* Nerve injury
* Compartment syndrome


== Advantages ==
==Safety Considerations==
IVRA offers several advantages:
To minimize risks, careful monitoring of the patient is essential. The tourniquet should not be applied for more than 90 minutes to prevent ischemic damage to the limb. Additionally, the use of a limb protection sleeve can help prevent skin damage from the tourniquet.
* Rapid onset of anesthesia
* Minimal equipment required
* Good muscle relaxation
* Reduced need for postoperative analgesia


== Disadvantages ==
==Related pages==
Disadvantages include:
* [[Local anesthesia]]
* Limited duration of anesthesia
* Potential for systemic toxicity
* Tourniquet-related complications
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Regional anesthesia]]
* [[Regional anesthesia]]
* [[Local anesthetic]]
* [[Tourniquet]]
* [[Tourniquet]]
* [[Peripheral nerve block]]
* [[Hand surgery]]
* [[Foot surgery]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External Links ==
{{Commons category|Intravenous regional anesthesia}}


[[Category:Anesthesia]]
[[Category:Anesthesia]]
[[Category:Medical procedures]]
[[Category:Regional anesthesia]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
{{Anesthesia-stub}}

Latest revision as of 20:57, 21 February 2025

A technique for anesthesia of a limb


Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA), also known as Bier block, is a technique used to anesthetize a limb for surgical procedures. It involves the administration of a local anesthetic into the venous system of the limb, which is isolated from the rest of the circulation by a tourniquet.

History[edit]

August Bier, the pioneer of intravenous regional anesthesia

The technique was first described by the German surgeon August Bier in 1908. Bier's method involved the use of a tourniquet to occlude blood flow to the limb, followed by the injection of a local anesthetic into the venous system. This method provided effective anesthesia for limb surgeries and has been refined over the years.

Technique[edit]

Diagram of intravenous regional anesthesia procedure

The procedure begins with the application of a tourniquet to the limb to be anesthetized. The tourniquet is inflated to a pressure higher than the patient's systolic blood pressure to occlude arterial blood flow. Once the tourniquet is in place, a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is injected into a vein in the limb.

The anesthetic diffuses into the surrounding tissues, providing anesthesia to the entire limb. The tourniquet prevents the anesthetic from entering the systemic circulation, thus localizing its effects to the limb.

Applications[edit]

IVRA is commonly used for procedures on the extremities, such as hand or foot surgeries. It is particularly useful for short procedures, as the duration of anesthesia is limited by the time the tourniquet can be safely applied.

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit]

The primary advantage of IVRA is its simplicity and effectiveness for limb surgeries. It provides rapid onset of anesthesia and is relatively easy to administer. However, the duration of anesthesia is limited by the tourniquet time, and there is a risk of systemic toxicity if the tourniquet fails or is released prematurely.

Safety Considerations[edit]

To minimize risks, careful monitoring of the patient is essential. The tourniquet should not be applied for more than 90 minutes to prevent ischemic damage to the limb. Additionally, the use of a limb protection sleeve can help prevent skin damage from the tourniquet.

Related pages[edit]