Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Hand-held Clinical Photoacoustic Imaging System for Real-time Non-invasive Small Animal Imaging
Published on: October 16, 2017
Real-time ultrasonographic visualization for guided inferior alveolar nerve injection
Brian Chanpong1, Raymond Tang, Andrew Sawka
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. brian@chanpong.com
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to develop a methodological technique for the ultrasonographic visualization of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) using a novel hockey stick-shaped 8- to 15-MHz transducer in volunteers, followed by simulated IAN scanning and injection in cadavers.
Study Design:
In 20 volunteers, bilateral scans of the IAN nerve were performed with a systematic technique. We recorded times to scan each side and sonographic visibility of the IAN. In 3 cadavers, bilateral scans of the IAN were performed, followed by simulated injection with dye.
Results:
The IAN was visible in all 40 scans. Mean scanning times were 19.6 seconds (range: 4-54 seconds) for the left side and 30.5 seconds (range: 6-116 seconds) for the right side. In 5 cadaver injections, dye was correctly deposited onto the IAN with the ultrasound technique.
Conclusions:
We hypothesize that ultrasound-guided IAN block may be feasible in humans using our technique.
Related Concept Videos
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
One of the advantages of...
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

