The value of ultrasound guidance for intermediate cervical blocks in patients undergoing carotid artery endarterectomy is poorly described. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical block to superficial cervical block for carotid artery endarterectomies.

We conducted a single-centre randomized-controlled study in a French University Hospital, from April 2011 to March 2012. The anaesthesia technique was randomly allocated to patients scheduled for carotid artery endarterectomy under regional anaesthesia (ropivacaine 4.75mg/mL): superficial cervical block in the Control group, and ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical block in the Echo group. The main outcome measure was the percentage of surgery performed without supplemental topical anaesthesia. The secondary outcomes were: rate of conversion to general anaesthesia, amount of supplemental topical lidocaine and block-related complications. P<0.05 was considered significant.

Demographic data for the 86 patients included [mean (SD) age 73 (11) years] did not differ between groups. Surgery was performed without supplemental topical lidocaine in 23% and 7% of the patients in the Echo and Control groups, respectively (P=0.068). Conversion to general anaesthesia for inadequate analgesia was needed in 0 and 2 patients in the Echo and Control groups, respectively. The mean dose of topical lidocaine was not different between groups. No complication directly related to a cervical block was observed.

Ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical plexus block and superficial cervical blocks performed for carotid artery surgery seems to provide similar results, but this study was probably underpowered to detect any difference.

European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials (Eudra-CT) registration number: 2010-A 01490-39.