Brachial Plexus Block for Removal of Retained Radial Artery Sheath

In this case, we present a lesser-known application of regional anesthesia, specifically, managing a patient with vasospasm and retained radial artery (RA) vascular sheath after coronary angiography. Providing an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block, in combination with general anesthesia, allowed the proceduralist to remove the retained sheath after several hours of failed treatment and manipulation. Severe arterial spasm was alleviated by eliciting a sympathectomy, along with analgesia of the right upper extremity, and maintaining this post-procedure. The block optimized arterial flow through the RA post-intervention and helped manage the patients’ pain from manipulation.