Adverse Events

It is important to be able to prevent and recognize adverse events that can occur during ultrasound-guided regional blocks. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia has demonstrated efficacy, and now safety issues require careful examination. Because adverse events are uncommon, these issues will take time to assess within the broad spectrum of clinical practice. Although most evidence would suggest that ultrasound guidance improves safety, there are important limitations to the technology.¹ Education and training play major roles in safety of ultrasound-guided interventions. Tissue-equivalent phantoms that simulate ultrasound-guided interventions are excellent tools to demonstrate needle tip visibility and other training issues.