[High conduction block of the brachial plexus using axillary approach]

An original technique of the brachial plexus block from the axillary approach is presented. The recommended technique suggests introduction of a rigid catheter into the paraneural space of the plexus up to the level of the sternoclavicular triangle. This provides for a high efficacy of the anesthesia and prevents development of complications. The methodology was elaborated on the basis of anatomic (n = 20) and clinicoradiological (n = 29) studies. The clinical evidence was obtained from 115 anesthesias for long-term reconstructive and plastic operations on the upper limb. A protocol for conduction anesthesia maintenance by repeated administration of lidocaine, trimecaine, and bupivacaine solutions is offered.