PECS, serratus plane, erector spinae, and paravertebral blocks: A comprehensive review

Publication date: Available online 17 July 2019Source: Best Practice & Research Clinical AnaesthesiologyAuthor(s): Erik M. Helander, Michael P. Webb, Julia Kendrick, Tim Montet, Aaron J. Kaye, Elyse M. Cornett, Alan David KayeThoracic planar blocks represent a novel and rapidly expanding facet of regional anesthesia. These recently described techniques represent the potential for excellent analgesia, enhanced technical safety profiles, and reduced physiological side effects versus traditional techniques in thoracic anesthesia. Regional techniques, particularly those described in this review, have potential implications for mitigation of surgical pathophysiological neurohumoral changes. In the present investigation, we describe the history, common indications, technique, and limitations of pectoral nerves (PECS), serratus plane, erector spinae plane, and thoracic paravertebral plane blocks. In summary, these techniques provide excellent analgesia and merit consideration in thoracic surgery.
Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Anaesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research