PULSE OXIMETER PERFUSION INDEX AS A PREDICTOR OF SUCCESSFUL SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK

Abstract

Background: Supraclavicular brachial plexus block under ultrasound guidance is the 
most commonly used technique to provide anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries. 
Routine methods used for evaluation of block success needpatient co-operation and are 
time consuming. A successful supraclavicular nerve block is associated with vascular 
dilation. Perfusion index, which is automatically calculated by pulse oximetry, provides 
an indication of peripheral perfusion at sensor site.