Ultrasound imaging in anesthesia: an overview of vascular access and peripheral nerve blocks

High-resolution ultrasound imaging is being progressively used in the perioperative period by anesthesiologists. Current applications include diagnostic echocardiography, vascular access, and peripheral/neuraxial neural blockade. In central and peripheral vessel cannulation, ultrasound guidance is used both as a primary technique and as a rescue method when conventional techniques fail. For many nerve block techniques, ultrasound imaging has resulted in better procedural success rates and improved safety. This review discusses the use of ultrasound guidance for vascular access procedures and nerve blocks.