Intravenous regional anesthesia: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|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. | |||
'''Intravenous regional anesthesia''' (IVRA), also known as '''Bier block''', is a | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
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 | [[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. | |||
== | ==Technique== | ||
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 | [[File:Venadaxili_regional_anesteziya.jpg|thumb|right|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== | ||
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. | |||
==Disadvantages== | ==Advantages and Disadvantages== | ||
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== | ||
[[File:LimbProtectionSleeve.jpg|thumb|left|Limb protection sleeve used during IVRA]] | |||
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== | ||
* [[Local anesthesia]] | |||
* [[Regional anesthesia]] | * [[Regional anesthesia]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Tourniquet]] | ||
[[Category:Anesthesia]] | [[Category:Anesthesia]] | ||
Revision as of 14:17, 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

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

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
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
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
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.