Intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia: Overview
Intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia (also sometimes called a Bier block) is the use of medicines to block pain for procedures on the arm or hand.
Numbing medicine is injected into a vein in the hand. A tight band placed around the arm keeps the medicine from moving up into the body. As the medicine is injected, it numbs the section of the arm below the band.
Problems from I.V. regional anesthesia aren't common, but there are some risks. They include soreness or bruising and nerve damage. If the medicine enters the bloodstream, there can be some side effects. Examples include ringing in the ears and dizziness. In rare cases, the medicine can affect the heart.
What are the risks of intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia?
Problems from I.V. regional anesthesia aren't common. There may be soreness or bruising where the band was. There is a small risk of nerve damage. And if the medicine enters the bloodstream, there can be some side effects. Examples include ringing in the ears and dizziness. Rarely, the medicine can affect the heart.
What is intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia?
Intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia is also sometimes called a Bier block. It uses numbing medicines to block pain in the arm or hand during a procedure.
Intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have nausea or vomiting that gets worse or won't stop.
- You have a fever.
- The medicine is not wearing off by the time the doctor said it should.
- You have injured the numb area of your body.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
How is intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia done?
The arm is wrapped from the hand up. Then a tight band is placed at the top. This pushes blood out of a section of the arm and back into the body. Then numbing medicine is injected into a vein in the hand. It spreads through the area and numbs it for the procedure.
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