Brachial plexus block using only 1% lidocaine to reduce pain during the endovascular treatment of dysfunctional arteriovenous access

Background: Interventional endovascular treatments of dysfunctional arteriovenous (AV) access for hemodialysis can cause pain and discomfort to the patients. Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (BPB) is an alternative regional anesthesia method, but conventional BPB using ropivacaine or bupivacaine may cause long-lasting motor power loss, significantly reducing patient satisfaction. This study aimed to introduce BPB using only 1% lidocaine, which induces sensory loss while minimizing motor block, and evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 277 consecutive patients with dysfunctional AV access requiring percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Of these, 174 patients underwent the BPB procedure using 1% lidocaine. Time data were recorded, and the motor strength grade (MRC scale, grade 0-5) was evaluated. Numeric rating pain score (NRPS, grade 0-10) was asked during every PTA, and overall NRPS and satisfaction scores (scale 1-3) were asked after the procedure was completed.Results: Of the 174 patients who received BPB, the success rate was 100%, and there were no significant complications related to BPB. The MRC scale measured at the time when the complete sensory loss was achieved was 1.99 +/- 0.63, and that at the point of sensory recovery when the block effect expired was 3.93 +/- 0.62, indicating a good grade of motor strength. The average NRPS during PTA in the BPB group was significantly lower than that of the control group without BPB (1.04 +/- 2.04vs 6.30 +/- 2.71, p < 0.001). The overall satisfaction score was significantly higher in the BPB group than in the control group (2.79 +/- 0.50vs 2.00 +/- 0.81, p < 0.001).Conclusions: BPB using only 1% lidocaine can induce a sensory block while minimizing the effect on motor function. It can be applied safely in an outpatient clinic setting with relatively higher satisfaction.