Related Experiment Videos
Airway difficulty after a brachial plexus subclavian perivascular block
Mark Rollins1, Warren R McKay, Rachel Eshima McKay
1Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, California.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|March 26, 2003
Summary
A subclavian perivascular block can cause upper airway obstruction in patients with an unknown paralyzed vocal cord. This risk is heightened if the patient has pre-existing contralateral vocal cord paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Subclavian perivascular blocks are common procedures.
- Vocal cord paralysis is a potential complication.
Observation:
- A patient experienced upper airway obstruction post-procedure.
- The patient had an undiagnosed paralyzed vocal cord on the contralateral side.
Findings:
- The case highlights the risk of airway compromise.
- Contralateral vocal cord paralysis increases this risk.
Implications:
- Awareness of pre-existing vocal cord paralysis is crucial.
- Careful patient selection and monitoring are necessary.
- This case underscores the importance of thorough pre-operative assessment.