Intravenous lipid infusion in the successful resuscitation of local anesthetic-induced cardiovascular collapse after supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Abstract

We describe a case of successful resuscitation with an i.v. lipid infusion of local anesthetic-induced cardiovascular toxicity after supraclavicular brachial plexus block with mepivacaine and bupivacaine. Lipid therapy was initiated after 10 min of unsuccessful resuscitation and resulted in restoration of cardiovascular activity and hemodynamic stability. This case illustrates the utility of i.v. lipid therapy in the treatment of local anesthetic toxicity.