Critical care innovations: navigating pain relief in intensive care: the role of regional anesthesia

Purpose of review: The purpose of this article is to provide an update of regional anesthesia and its applications in the critical care patient population.

Recent findings: Regional anesthesia including blocks of the abdomen and thorax, head and neck, as well as upper and lower extremities can be used to alleviate pain and assist in managing life-threatening conditions such as cerebral vasospasm and ventricular storm in the ICU population. There have been many advances in these techniques including ultrasound-guidance with innovative approaches that allow for more superficial procedures that are safer for critically ill patients. Regional anesthesia can decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), prevent ICU admission, shorten ICU LOS, and increase ventilator free days and may have mortality benefits.

Summary: Pain management in the ICU is an important and sometimes challenging aspect of patient care. Regional anesthetic techniques have more indications and are safe, versatile tools that should be incorporated into care of critically ill patients.