The learning process of the hydrolocalization technique performed during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

Background: Because poor echogenicity of the needle remains a safety issue, we decided to analyze the learning process of the hydrolocalization technique (Hloc) performed to continuously identify needle-tip anatomical position during many ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia procedures.

Methods: Ten senior anesthesiologists naïve to the Hloc agreed to participate in the study. They were requested to perform 40 out-of-plane (OOP) approach ultrasound-guided axillary blocks (AB) each using the Hloc. The Hloc, which is a needle-tip localization principle, was performed by means of repetitive injections of a small amount of a local anesthetic solution (0.5-1 ml) under an ultrasound beam. Details of the learning process and skill acquisition of the Hloc were derived from the following parameters: the duration of block placement, a measure of the perceived difficulty of needle-tip visualization, a measure of block placement difficulty, and the amount of local anesthetics solution required for the technique.

Results: Four hundred ABs were performed. The success rate of an ultrasound-guided AB was 98%. The Hloc was successful in all patients. Skill acquisition over time of the Hloc was associated with a significant reduction of both the duration and the perceived difficulty of ABs placement. Apprenticeship data revealed that 20 blocks were required to successfully place AB within 5 min in most cases using the Hloc.

Conclusion: The Hloc performed during the OOP approach of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is a simple technique with a relatively short learning process feasible for efficient placement of ABs.