Maxillary Nerve Blocks in Children - An MRI Study of the Suprazygomatic Approach

Maxillary Nerve Blocks in Children - An MRI Study of the Suprazygomatic

Ultrasound-guided suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block (SMNB) will be performed in paediatric patients with or without the aid of ultrasound guidance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to visualize the spread of the local anaesthetic (LA) spread after suprazygomatic injection and to verify LA contact with the maxillary nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Paediatric patients scheduled for cleft palate (CP) surgery with SMNB as part of their perioperative pain treatment
• American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 - 2
• Age 10 to 24 months
• Given informed written consent by legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status > 2
• Patients with cranial deformation
• Patients with concomitant medical treatments or medical conditions interfering with peripheral nerve block treatment
• Patients with concomitant medical treatments or medical conditions interfering with MRI
• Patients that are allergic to bupivacaine or other local anaesthetic agents.