paravertebral block-Spectrum Health Hospitals-postoperative pain

Paravertebral block (PVB) is a regional anesthesia technique being evaluated by Spectrum Health Hospitals (now Corewell Health West) for the management of acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing mastectomy. In this specific clinical trial context, the procedure involves the injection of 20-30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine into the thoracic paravertebral space, typically at the T1-T5 levels. Ropivacaine is a long-acting amide-type local anesthetic that works by reversibly blocking sodium channels in nerve fibers, thereby preventing the transmission of pain signals from the surgical site to the central nervous system. This technique is being compared against pectoral nerve blocks (PECs) to determine its efficacy in reducing systemic opioid consumption and improving recovery outcomes.

Other names

PVBParavertebral Block