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{{Short description|A technique for anesthesia of a limb}}


{{Short description|A method of anesthesia involving intravenous injection}}
'''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.
{{Infobox medical procedure
| name        = Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
| image        = <!-- Image removed -->
| caption      =
| ICD10        =
| ICD9        =
| MeshID      = D000777
| MedlinePlus  =
| eMedicine    =
}}
 
'''Intravenous regional anesthesia''' (IVRA), also known as '''Bier block''', is a method of [[anesthesia]] that involves the intravenous injection of a local anesthetic into a limb that has been isolated from the rest of the circulation by a [[tourniquet]]. This technique is primarily used for short surgical procedures on the extremities.


==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 of the isolated 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.


==Procedure==
==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 ensure complete occlusion of blood flow. A local anesthetic, such as [[lidocaine]], is then injected into a vein in the isolated limb. The anesthetic diffuses into the surrounding tissues, providing anesthesia to the entire limb.
[[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.


==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 short surgical procedures on the extremities, such as [[carpal tunnel release]], [[ganglion cyst]] excision, and [[fracture]] reduction. It is particularly useful for procedures that are expected to last less than 60 minutes.


==Advantages==
==Applications==
* Rapid onset of anesthesia
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.
* Minimal systemic absorption of the anesthetic
* Easy to administer


==Disadvantages==
==Advantages and Disadvantages==
* Risk of [[tourniquet pain]] if the procedure is prolonged
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.
* Potential for local anesthetic [[toxicity]] if the tourniquet fails
* Limited to procedures on the extremities


==Complications==
==Safety Considerations==
Complications of IVRA can include [[tourniquet pain]], local anesthetic toxicity, and [[nerve injury]]. Proper technique and monitoring are essential to minimize these risks.
[[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.


==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Local anesthesia]]
* [[Regional anesthesia]]
* [[Regional anesthesia]]
* [[Local anesthetic]]
* [[Tourniquet]]
* [[Peripheral nerve block]]
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
==External links==
* [https://www.wikimd.com/wiki/Intravenous_regional_anesthesia Wikimd: Intravenous Regional Anesthesia]


[[Category:Anesthesia]]
[[Category:Anesthesia]]
[[Category:Medical procedures]]
[[Category:Regional anesthesia]]
<gallery>
File:Venadaxili regional anesteziya.jpg|Intravenous regional anesthesia
File:August Bier.jpg|August Bier
File:LimbProtectionSleeve.jpg|Limb Protection Sleeve
</gallery>

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

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

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.

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
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