Novel block and new indication: Ultrasound-guided continuous & #8220;mid-point transverse process to pleura & #8221; block in a patient with multiple rib fractures

Rashmi Syal, Rakesh Kumar, Manoj Kamal, Pradeep BhatiaSaudi Journal of Anaesthesia 2019 13(4):365-367 To avoid the complications related to thoracic epidural and paravertebral block, we performed mid-point transverse process to pleura (MTP) block in a patient with multiple rib fractures. A patient with 2nd--5th rib fractures came with complains of severe pain and difficulty in breathing. Ultrasound (US)-guided continuous MTP block was given at T4 level and 15 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine was deposited, followed by the catheter insertion at the same level. Patient reported decreased sensation from T2--T8 dermatomes and reduced VAS scores from 9/10 to 1/10 within 20 min of block insertion. Continuous MTP block is efficacious in providing thoracic analgesia and has higher safety margin as needle is inserted further away from pleura.
Source: Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Source Type: research