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Paravertebral block
A paravertebral block is a regional anesthesia technique that injects local anesthetic around nerve roots as they exit the vertebral column to block pain sensation in specific body regions.
A paravertebral block is a regional anesthesia technique that injects local anesthetic around nerve roots as they exit the vertebral column to block pain sensation in specific body regions. Used for Perioperative anesthesia and analgesia for thoracic and abdominal surgery, Postoperative pain management, Chronic pain conditions (e.g., postherpetic neuralgia, rib fractures).
At a glance
| Generic name | Paravertebral block |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PVB, ketamine hydrochloride |
| Sponsor | St. Olavs Hospital |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia/Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The procedure involves injecting local anesthetic agents into the paravertebral space, which lies lateral to the vertebral bodies and contains spinal nerve roots. This blocks sensory and motor nerve transmission in the distribution of those nerves, providing anesthesia and analgesia to the chest wall, abdomen, or other areas depending on the injection level. It is used as an alternative or adjunct to general anesthesia and systemic analgesia.
Approved indications
- Perioperative anesthesia and analgesia for thoracic and abdominal surgery
- Postoperative pain management
- Chronic pain conditions (e.g., postherpetic neuralgia, rib fractures)
Common side effects
- Hypotension
- Pneumothorax
- Vascular puncture/hematoma
- Local anesthetic toxicity
- Nerve injury
Key clinical trials
- Comparison of Paravertebral Block and Deep Parasternal Intercostal Plane Block in Cardiac Surgery (NA)
- Parascapular Sub Iliocostalis Plane Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Plane Block for Traumatic Multiple Rib Fractures (NA)
- Ultrasound-Guided Rhomboid-Intercostal Block Versus Thoracic Paravertebral Block for VATS Analgesia (NA)
- Analgesic Techniques for Robotic Prostatectomy Procedures (NA)
- Paravertebral Block for Mastectomy With Immediate Reconstruction (NA)
- Mid-transverse Process Combined With Erector Spinae Block Versus Paravertebral Plane Block (NA)
- Pain Control After Open Radical Nephrectomy: Thoracic Paravertebral Block Versus External Oblique Intercostal Block (NA)
- A Study of Bupivacaine Liposome Injection in the Treatment of Pain After Thoracoscopic Surgery (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Paravertebral block CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Paravertebral block updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- St. Olavs Hospital portfolio CI