Newport Beach, Calif.—Although anesthesiologists have been performing regional blocks with nerve stimulation for years, the introduction of ultrasound guidance has improved efficiency dramatically, leading to faster block placement and onset in skilled hands.
These advancements have come at an opportune time, said Sonia Szlyk, MD, as opioid-related adverse events have become an increasing burden on the health care system (J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2013;27:62-70).
“One of the