Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block provides analgesia during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft failures

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for dysfunctional vascular access (VA). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patient data, including the decision to perform an ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block and severity of pain during PTA, assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). RESULTS: Of 342 patients, axillary brachial plexus block was performed in 156 patients. The NRS scores (mean ± standard deviation) were lower in patients who received the block compared to those who did not, regardless of the VA type, anastomosis site (radial, ulnar, or near the elbow), or dilation site (distal or proximal to the anastomotic outflow). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block effectively reduced pain during PTA for dysfunctional VA, independent of access type or lesion site.