Intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block)

The purpose of this research is to present our experience in utilizing intravenous regional anesthesia in hand and upper limb surgeries. For close to 20 years we have been using the technique described in 1908 by August Bier and have reviewed more than 3000 cases. We use IVRA in 90% of upper extremity same day surgeries. The procedure described one hundred years ago is easily applicable in the present. We have incorporated new technology to improve the safety of this anesthesia. We are able to affirm that IVRA has high effective, patient comfort, low incidence of complications, a short learning course, and reduced financial cost.