Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block for transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract

Abstract Background Reducing postoperative pain due to the thoracotomy incisions in patients undergoing transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation remains a challenge. Methods We introduced ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) in a patient with severe aortic insufficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before surgical intervention. Results The patient’s postoperative 1 h, 4 h, and 12 h resting visual analogue scale scores were 3, 1, and 1 without single injection of morphine or dezocine for rescue analgesia. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided SAPB could improve analgesia after transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation.