Erector Spinae Plane Block Catheter Insertion under Ultrasound Guidance for Thoracic Surgery: Case Series of Three Patients

Abstract

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel plane block first reported for thoracic analgesia. It affects the dorsal and ventral rami of the thoracic nerves. Owing to the ease of the technique and decreased risk of complication of the ESP block under ultrasound guidance, it can be a preferable procedure compared with other invasive techniques, such as neuraxial and nerve blocks. In this case report, we presented three patients who had thoracic surgery under general anesthesia. The ESP block and catheter placement was applied to the patients before operation. The catheter was inserted deep into the erector spinae muscle and was used successfully for postoperative pain management.

Keywords: Anaesthesiology; pain medicine; rerioperative and adult anesthesiology.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1

Position of patient, needle, and ultrasound probe. Black arrow shows the midline.

Figure 2

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block. Yellow arrows show the catheter placed under the erector spinae muscle. After 3 ml of air was injected through the catheter, it appeared hyperechoic under ultrasound imaging. TP: transverse process.