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Iv regional anesthesia

IV Regional Anesthesia
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What is intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia?

Intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia is also sometimes called a Bier block. It uses numbing medicines to block pain in the arm or hand during a procedure.

How is intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia done?

A small tube (I.V.) is inserted into a vein in the hand of the arm that is being numbed. Then the arm is wrapped tightly from the hand up to above the area where the procedure will be done. This pushes blood out of the wrapped section back into the body.

A tight band is put around the arm at the top of the wrap. When the band is secure, the wrap is removed. Most of the blood stays above the band.

Then the doctor or nurse injects numbing medicine into the I.V. The numbing medicine spreads through the part of the arm below the band and numbs it for the procedure.

Intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have nausea or vomiting that gets worse or won't stop.
  • You have a fever.
  • The medicine is not wearing off by the time the doctor said it should.
  • You have injured the numb area of your body.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

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