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Injection Pressures by Anesthesiologists During Simulated Peripheral Nerve Block
  1. Richard Claudio, B.S.,
  2. Admir Hadzic, M.D., Ph.D.,
  3. Henry Shih, M.D.,
  4. Jerry D Vloka, M.D., Ph.D.,
  5. Jose Castro, M.D.,
  6. Zbigniew Koscielniak-Nielsen, M.D., Ph.D, F.R.C.A,
  7. Daniel M Thys, M.D. and
  8. Alan C Santos, M.D., M.P.H.
  1. From the Department of Anesthesiology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY
  1. Correspondence: Admir Hadzic, Ph.D., M.D., Department of Anesthesiology, Travers 701, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025 USA Reprints will not be available. E-mail: ah149{at}columbia.edu

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Anesthesiologists typically rely on a subjective evaluation (“syringe feel”) of possible abnormal resistance to injection while performing a peripheral nerve block (PNB). A greater force required to perform the injection is believed to be associated with intraneural injection. The hypothesis of this study is that anesthesiologists vary in their perception of “normal” injection force, that the syringe feel method is inconsistent in estimating resistance, and that needle design may affect the injection force.

Methods: Thirty anesthesiologists were asked to inject a local anesthetic, as they would in their everyday practice, through a commonly used syringe and needle assembly. Injection force was measured using an in-line manometer coupled to a computer via an analog-to-digital conversion board. In addition, injection force at clinically relevant injection speeds was determined using 3 differently sized needles from 4 different manufacturers.

Results: During a steady injection rate, all anesthesiologists perceived an increase in the force required to inject, even with minor pressures changes (0.6 ± 0.3 psi). However, the 30 anesthesiologists, 21 (70%) initiated injection using a force that resulted in pressures greater than 20 psi; 15 (50%) used a force greater than 25 psi, and 3 (10%) exerted pressures greater than 30 psi. Pressures varied as much as 20-fold among needles of the same gauge/length from different manufacturers (P < .01).

Conclusions: Anesthesiologists vary widely in their perception of appropriate force and rate of injection during PNB. The syringe-feel method of assessing injection force is inconsistent and may be further affected by variability in needle design.

  • Regional anesthesia
  • Peripheral nerve block
  • Neurologic complications
  • Needle

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Footnotes

  • Supported by the Department of Anesthesiology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY.

    Presented in part at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Regional Anesthesia, April 2003, San Diego, CA.