Translation of sonoelastography from Thiel cadaver to patients for peripheral nerve blocks

摘要

Ultrasound has become the standard modality for realtime imaging of peripheral nerve blocks. Unfortunately, B-mode ultrasound has clinical limitations. Needle visibility is restricted by insertion angle; spread of local, anaesthetic, particularly using small test volumes, can be difficult to visualise; and differentiation between intraneural/intravascular and extraneural/extravascular needle position can be difficult. Sites et al. stated that 'if we were able to objectively confirm correct local anaesthetic spread, we would likely improve on quality and efficacy' of ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia [1]. Sonoelastography provides a colour image of tissue stress, ranging from red (soft) to blue (hard). The aim of our project was to first establish the stability and dose-response curve of sonoelastography for upper and lower limb blocks in Thiel cadavers, then translate the application to patients.