Department of Anesthesia Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine University of Iowa Health Care University of Iowa
Regional Anesthesia Study Center of Iowa The University of Iowa
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Animal-based Workshop for Hands-on Teaching of Regional Anesthesia: The Living Simulator (continued)

André P. Boezaart, M.D.,Ph.D. Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa
Peripheral Blocks:

a. Femoral Nerve block

  • Exactly the same as humans
  • Feel for artery
  • Percutaneous stimulation (“nerve mapping”) easy
  • V – A – N
  • Fascia planes are similar to humans

The Femoral Nerve Block:

Femoral Nerve Block 1

Femoral Nerve Block 2

Femoral Nerve Block 3

Femoral Nerve Block 4

b. Sciatic nerve block:

  • Similar landmarks as human
  • Smaller dimensions
  • Ankle must respond to nerve stimulation
  • Also mid-femoral and popliteal approach

The Sciatic Nerve Block:

Sciatic Nerve Block 1

Sciatic Nerve Block 2

Sciatic Nerve Block 3

Sciatic Nerve Block 4

c. Suprascapular Nerve Block

  • Done for practicing catheter placement
  • Pig does not have a clavicle
  • Landmarks not similar to human
  • Anatomic principles not similar
  • Nerve stimulation and catheter principles similar

Suprascapular Nerve Block:

Suprascapular Nerve Block 1

Suprascapular Nerve Block 2

Suprascapular Nerve Block 3

Suprascapular Nerve Block 4

d. Eye blocks:

  • Similar to humans (adults)
  • Smaller orbits
  • Larger eyes (relatively)
  • Peri-bulbar, retrobulbar, peri-retrobulbar blocks practiced
  • After the last efforts of the last two participants, three mL of India ink is injected in the retrobulbar space for post mortem confirmation of correct needle placement.
Continue to Other Nerve Blocks>>>