Question

Which of the following is most suitable for intravenous regional anesthesia?

• A. Bupivacaine
• B. Mepivacaine
• C. Procaine
• D. Lidocaine

Hint:

Lidocaine is the anesthetic of choice for intravenous regional anesthesia due to its rapid onset and moderate duration, providing effective anesthesia for short procedures.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA), also known as Bier's block, is commonly used for short surgical procedures on the limbs. The choice of local anesthetic is crucial for the success of the procedure, and it must meet specific criteria, such as a rapid onset, reliable effect, and relatively short duration.
Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic for IVRA because it has a rapid onset and is effective at relatively low concentrations. It provides adequate anesthesia for short surgical procedures while minimizing the risk of systemic toxicity.
Bupivacaine: While it is an excellent local anesthetic with a long duration, it is more commonly used for epidural anesthesia rather than IVRA due to its slow onset and longer duration of action, which can lead to prolonged sensory block.
Mepivacaine: This anesthetic is similar to lidocaine but has a slightly longer duration of action. It is less commonly used for IVRA as it does not provide the same balance of onset and duration as lidocaine.
Procaine: This is an older anesthetic that is not commonly used for IVRA anymore, as it has a slower onset and can be less effective compared to modern alternatives like lidocaine. Thus, the most suitable choice for intravenous regional anesthesia is Lidocaine.