Retrolaminar Thoracic Paravertebral Block

Ultrasound guided thoracic paravertebral block. At the appropriate dermatome, the needle (22-gauge, 8-10-cm, short bevelled spinal needle, or a Touhy needle if a catheter is to be placed) is inserted 2.5-3 cm lateral to the spinous process and advanced perpendicular to the skin in all planes to contact the transverse process at a variable depth (2-4 cm) depending on the build of the individual. The needle is then walked above the transverse process and gradually advanced until a loss of resistance to air or saline, or a subtle 'click' is felt as the superior costotransverse ligament is penetrated, usually within 1-1.5 cm from the superior edge of the transverse process.

In the retrolaminar approach to TPVB or retrolaminar block (RB), local anesthetic (LA) is injected into the retrolaminar plane to achieve a truncal sensory block like that of traditional TPVB. It has been postulated that during RB, LA spreads from the injection plane to the thoracic paravertebral space (TPVS) through the superior costotransverse ligament (SCTL). Retrolaminar block will be performed under ultrasound guidance, as a single injection.