Cervical Plexus Block
Figure 1: Needle insertion for superficial cervical plexus block. The needle is inserted behind the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Essentials
Indications: carotid endarterectomy, superficial neck surgery
Landmarks: mastoid process, sternocleidomastoid muscle, C6 transverse process
Equipment, superficial: 1½-in, 25-gauge needle
Equipment, deep: 2-in, 22-gauge, short bevel needle connected to a syringe via a flexible tubing
Local anesthetic: 15-20 mL
General Considerations
Cervical plexus block can be performed using two different methods. One is a deep cervical plexus block, which is essentially a paravertebral block of the C2-4 spinal nerves (roots) as they emerge from the foramina of their respective vertebrae. The other method is a superficial cervical plexus bl...