Abord péridural et intrathécal échoguidé

Performing spinal and/or epidural anaesthesia may be sometimes technically difficult. Ultrasound guidance may facilitate neuroaxial blocks performance. Ultrasounds may be used either before or in real time of block performance. Ultrasound probes are place in transverse, medial or paramedian sagittal planes. Ligamentum flavum and dura mater are visualized as hyperechogenic structures, distant in between 3 and 7 cm from the skin. Spinal canal is identified between these structures and the posterior wall of the vertebral body. Ultrasound guidance allows to measure the depth of the epidural space, to mark the level of needle insertion and to guide needle progression in real time.