Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks

This exciting half-day workshop is designed for veterinarians aiming to enhance their clinical skills in advanced ultrasound-guided techniques. With a focus on analgesic nerve blocks, vascular access, and ultrasound-guided aspiration, participants will gain valuable expertise applicable to various clinical scenarios, from challenging vascular access situations to practical and clinically relevant nerve block techniques. The course will start with a chicken breast phantom model to allow participants to practice, understand, and master in- and out-of-plane ultrasound-guided techniques before moving on to donated cadavers to practice several clinically relevant nerve blocks that can be used in general and emergency practice. Cadavers will be used during the labs.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

Apply ultrasound-guided techniques in various clinical scenarios.

Master essential skills for effective ultrasound-guided pain management in critical patients.

Acquire proficiency in precise ultrasound-guided procedures, including vascular access and fine needle aspiration.

Key Topics:

• Analgesic Blocks
• Sciatic Nerve Block: Understanding the anatomy and technique for administering sciatic nerve blocks to manage distal hind limb pain.
• Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block: Techniques for effective TAP blocks to alleviate abdominal pain.
• Quadratus Lumborum Block: Mastery of this advanced technique for additional abdominal pain management.
• Erector Spinae (Thoracic) Block: Application of thoracic blocks for comprehensive pain control across thoracic and abdominal regions.
• Intercostal Block: Detailed approach to intercostal blocks for thoracic surgery and rib fracture pain relief

Vascular Access and Fine Needle Aspiration

Techniques for ultrasound-guided vascular access to ensure accurate and efficient procedures, minimizing complications. Understanding in- and out-of-plane techniques is applicable to all types of ultrasound-guided procedures, which will include fine needle aspiration of a simulated lymph node.