The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a newer regional anesthetic technique that can be used to provide analgesia for a variety of surgical procedures or to manage acute or chronic pain.

The conventional technique of anesthesia involves inserting the needle perpendicular to all planes, contacting the transverse process, and then walking off it with the needle. The commonly-used endpoints for needle insertion include loss-of-resistance to air or saline, advancing a predetermined distance, or neurostimulation. As such, similar techniques may fail to relieve the patient from chronic pain.

Anatomical evaluation by ultrasound imaging is one of the most exciting recent technological advances in the field of anesthesia for tracking chronic pain.

Ultrasound scanners have been shown to offer excellent guidance for chronic nerve blocks and regional anesthesia particularly among high-risk patients where interventional procedures are required.

In this case, an ultrasound platform with a linear-array transducer oscillating at 14 MHz is exactly what is required. This makes the SIFULTRAS-3.5 device the best solution that can be effectively used for regional Ultrasound-guided erector spinae blocks.

Using the SIFULTRAS-3.5 reduces the risks of vascular complications as it ensures a safe anesthetic procedure. Being a modern, more compact and portable ultrasound machine, SIFULTRAS-3.5 displays a   better resolution and enhanced tissue penetration as it comes with a needle guide holder. Hence, it can be directly set to the guide pin frame (if needed). SIFULTRAS-3.5 is also coupled with the software that can quickly locate the depth and diameter of the puncture’s navigation.

Anesthesiologists can use the SIFULTRAS-3.5 in multiple ways. Added to the fact that it provides them with more accurate needle placement for professional procedures, they can also safely use it for venipuncture and Peripheral nerve block (PNB), PICC Peripherally inserted central catheters,  BPB  Brachial plexus blocks, a central venous catheter (CVC), chronic pain, Insertion of percutaneous hemodialysis catheters ….).

In conclusion, ESP block is a valuable armamentarium for postoperative pain management and must be considered following major anesthesia-dependent surgeries.

Reference: Potential role of ultrasound in anesthesia and intensive care