Regional Block Area Setup, Equipment, and Monitoring

Abstract

Regional anesthesia has been used in the pediatric population for over a century. It has become more widely practiced in the last two decades as evidence has shown that regional anesthesia provides excellent analgesia, reduces the perioperative stress response, and decreases morbidity. As an increasing number of practitioners have embraced regional anesthesia, more sophisticated techniques and equipment have emerged. This chapter gives an overview of the equipment available for use when performing peripheral nerve blocks. The various types of needles that are used for regional blocks are covered, as are catheters used for peripheral nerve blocks and neuraxial anesthesia. A description of additional helpful equipment, such as nerve stimulators and ultrasound machines, is also provided. By the end of the chapter, the reader should have a basic understanding of the equipment and materials needed to administer successful nerve blocks to pediatric patients.