Dr. S. Ganapathy (Director)

Dr. K. Armstrong (Coordinator, SJHC)

Dr. R. Bhandari (Coordinator, UH)

Dr. R. Tilsworth (Coordinator, VH)

The Division of Regional Anesthesia takes pride in being one of the pioneering departments in Canada to adopt latest techniques in regional anesthesia such as ultrasonography, continuous catheter regional anesthesia and analgesia, and ambulatory regional analgesia at home.

Education

The Division of Regional Anesthesia includes two sites with designated block rooms for initiating regional blocks. These sites have a dedicated teaching staff and infrastructure that are involved in regional anesthesia education. St. Joseph's Health Care, is the home of the Hand and Upper Limb Centre, which performs over 2500 blocks per year, while the London Health Sciences Centre currently performs over 1000 neuraxial and lowerlimb blocks. The program supports both resident and fellow education and strives to provide lateral education to consultants from University of Western Ontario and other hospitals. The program continues to grow.

Educational Materials

Interscalene Approach to the Brachial Plexus
January 2010 - Power Point Presentation

Innovation

The division introduced ultrasonography for regional anesthesia in 2003. Ninety percent of the regional blocks are completed through the use of ultrasonography. The division has a well-run ambulatory regional analgesia program.

Annual Workshop

On an annual basis the division conducts a very popular workshop. During the workshop, live demonstrations of actual regional blocks are completed through the use of ultrasonography. The hands-on technique of ultrasonography is taught on human volunteers and animals in the lab. There is full support from the Department of Anatomy for educational activities.

Research

The division has ongoing research projects in regional techniques, ultrasonography, pain management and collaborative research with other divisions. The volume is growing tremendously. Research in the basic sciences lab is also being initiated.

BASICS OF

ULTRASOUND-GUIDED

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA

What Is Presented?

Both single shot and continuous catheter techniques are shown in addition to narration of gross anatomy, cross sectional anatomy and ultrasound anatomy proceeds each block technique. Optimization of the ultrasound image is explained in an easy format showing the changes between different settings during various block procedures. Volume One contains interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, axillary, proximal sciatic and femoral block illustrations. Volume Two contains rescue blocks at the elbow of radial and median nerves, rescue block of the ulnar nerve in the forearm, sonoanatomy of the paravertebral block and the popliteal sciatic block.

Who Would Benefit From This Material

Basic upper and lower limb blocks are described to facilitate a beginner with initial use of ultrasound for regional anesthesia. Experienced practitioners of regional anesthesia will also find useful information and techniques on continuous catheter techniques for the upper and lower limb.

Cost and Ordering

Cost of these limited edition DVDs is $250.00 (Canadian) for both volumes and $150.00 per volume if only one is ordered (add $5 for shipping and handling). Orders can be made by email to Kathy Popp.

Disclaimer

An unrestricted financial grant, was made by Sonosite, in the development and production of these DVDs. All material was developed expressly for educational purposes. Techniques depicted in the DVDs are representative of procedures commonly used at our institutions.

$150.00 for Volume One

$150.00 for Volume Two

$250.00 for both Volume One & Volume Two
All Prices in Canadian Dollars.

To purchase these DVD's, please email Kathy Popp for details.

Here is a brief introduction available in both QuickTime and WMV formats.