Supraclavicular continuous peripheral nerve block in a wounded soldier: when ultrasound is the only option

The complex nature of combat-related injuries requires frequent operative interventions and prolonged analgesic therapy. The application of continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) has been an important anaesthetic tool in the management of combat soldiers wounded from the current conflicts. The severe, destructive nature of combat injuries makes placement of CPNB difficult or impossible using more common neurostimulation approaches. The use of ultrasound technology has improved our success in placing CPNB in the presence of such injuries. We report the application of ultrasound technology in placing CPNB in a combat-injured soldier, whose injuries precluded other CPNB options.