Minimum Effective Volume of Ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml for the Lateral and Sagittal Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Systemic LA toxicity is an important complication of regional anesthesia. Lowering the LA dose is one of the strategies to reduce this risk. For upper limb blocks it is well documented that ultrasound guidance allows a significant lower dose of LA for interscalene and axillary blocks than with guidance by peripheral nerve stimulation. However, a corresponding difference has not yet been found for supraclavicular and infraclavicular blocks. The aim of the present study is to define the minimum effective volume of ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml when using the LSIB method.