Ultrasound in Pediatric Anesthesia

Abstract

The use of ultrasound for pediatric regional anesthesia and pediatric intensive care is relatively new, however interest in this application is grawing rapidly. Published reports of ultrasound guided techniques in pediatric anesthesia have largely focused on the safety and efficacy in pediatric patients. Regional anesthesia is an important part of pediatric anesthesia and plays a key role in peri-operative multimodal analgesic regimens. In recent years, the popularity of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks has significantly increased out of the recognition of its higher efficacy and safety. The study of the physical principles of the ultrasound makes the usage of the ultrasound unit much easier and also helps the user to choose the proper probe and frequency for the purpose needed. The nature of ultrasound waves being reflected, refracted and scattered is the corner stone for the principle of action of ultrasound which makes it possible to visualize different tissues with various depth from the probe. It is imperative to have a good knowledge of the anatomical and physiological differences between an adult and pediatric patients for conduct of safe anesthesia. The differences in anatomical and physiological characteristics make anesthetic management different and extremely challenging for the anesthesiologist.