Ultrasound-Guided Intercostal Nerve Block

Excerpt

Intercostal nerve blockade is a selective superficial regional anesthesia technique easily performed at the bedside with or without ultrasound guidance. Intercostal nerve blockade is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that can provide analgesia or augment anesthesia in various circumstances, such as blunt thoracic trauma, chest wall surgeries, and postherpetic neuralgia. The procedure is generally well-tolerated and has a low complication rate, particularly when performed under ultrasound guidance.