Axillary Brachial Plexus Block (ABPB) causes vasodilatation and an increase in blood flow to the upper limb secondary to its sympathectomy effect. However, limited reports have evaluated the regional hemodynamic changes after Levobupivacaine 0.5% is used.
Objective: To determine induced smooth muscle relaxation of cephalic vein with levobupivacaine 0.5% after ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block for patients undergoing surgery of the upper limb. This study will focus on venodilatation that may help microsurgical operations requiring improved perfusion of the extremity, for endovascular / trauma surgeries


Methods:
A total of 43 patients were included in the study to determine induced smooth muscle relaxation of cephalic vein with levobupivacaine 0.5% after ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) for patients undergoing surgery of the upper limb. Mean cross-sectional area of cephalic vein in its native state (t0), immediately after the block (t1), and 20 minutes after the axillary brachial plexus block (t2) were compared for significant increase.

Results
The study revealed that mean % change in CSA from t0 to t1, from t0 to t2, and from t1 to t2 was statistically significant from 0.0%. This means that CSA of cephalic vein significantly increased immediately and 20 minutes after axillary brachial plexus block.


Conclusions:
There is a significant increase in cross-sectional diameter of the cephalic vein from native state to immediately and 20 minutes post-block. The increase in the degree of cross-sectional diameter of the vein may contribute to the success of the microvascular procedures.

ESRA-2018