Seizure complicating placement of a nerve stimulator-guided infraclavicular block: could the use of ultrasound decrease the risk?

The case of a patient who suffered a seizure following a nerve stimulator-guided coracoid infraclavicular brachial plexus block, is reported. Following the seizure, an ultrasound machine was used to image the patient's infraclavicular region, which showed an anatomical variation in the position of the axillary vein relative to the axillary artery. The use of ultrasound in regional anesthesia provides additional safety information beyond nerve stimulation, which may help decrease the likelihood of such complications.