Alkalinization of Bupivacaine for Brachial Plexus Block

A double-blind study was performed in which 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1:200,000 (pH 3.9) was compared with an alkalinized solution of bupivacaine (pH 6.4) for the production of brachial plexus blockade. Twenty to 30 ml of each solution (2 mg/kg) was used for brachial plexus blockade administered by the subclavian perivascular technique. The onset, depth, and duration of analgesia was determined. The results indicate that alkalinization of bupivacaine solution resuits in a more rapid onset of sensory analgesia and a prolonged duration of sensory analgesia.