Paravertebral blocks (PVBs) are frequently used for regional anesthesia for breast surgery. Ultrasound-guided paravertebral block is an advanced skill. The needle tip can be difficult to visualize with ultrasound, and the proximity to neurovascular structures as well as the pleura presents a risk of neurovascular injection and pneumothorax respectively. The midpoint transverse-process to pleura (MTP) block incorporates a novel needle endpoint that is technically easier to achieve and more distant from neurovascular structures and the pleura compared to traditional PVB. This study will compare the analgesic effects of MTP block to control and PVB.
Age
18–65
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
You may be eligible if
English or French Speaking
Scheduled for major breast surgery
ASA physical status classification I-III
BMI \<30kg/m2
You may not be if
Prior ipsilateral breast surgery
Pre-existing neurological deficit or peripheral neuropathy involving the ipsilateral chest
