Abstract
Objective
To investigate the utility of identifying the superficial circumflex iliac artery
(SCIA) via ultrasound as an anatomical landmark for ultrasound-guided femoral nerve
block.
Study design
Observational study.
Animals
A group of six canine cadavers weighing >20 kg.
Methods
Pelvic limbs from six canine cadavers were examined to study the relationship between
the SCIA and the femoral nerve. Ultrasonographic imaging of the SCIA in each limb
was obtained with the transducer placed transversely in the medial aspect of the pelvic
limb at the inguinal area. Subsequently, a needle was inserted in close proximity
to the femoral nerve using an in-plane technique based on the anatomical relationship
between the SCIA and femoral nerve. A total of 0.1 mL of colored latex was then injected
at the location where the femoral nerve was expected to be in relationship to the
SCIA. Gross dissection of the inguinal region in each pelvic limb was performed after
injection. Positive nerve location was defined when the colored latex was in contact
with the femoral nerve.
Results
A total of eleven pelvic limbs were injected because the SCIA could not be successfully
visualized in one limb. Upon dissection, colored latex was found to be in direct contact
with the femoral nerve in all 11 injected limbs.
Conclusions and clinical relevance
We concluded that the ultrasonographic visualization of the SCIA assisted in the accurate
deposition of dye in proximity to the femoral nerve of canine cadavers. Further investigation
will determine the efficacy of this technique for performing femoral nerve blocks.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 13, 2018
Accepted:
March 25,
2018
Received:
February 19,
2018
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.
