Computerized tomographic anatomic relationships of the thoracic paravertebral space

Abstract

Objectives: A wide range of insertion points lateral to the midline are recommended for paravertebral blockade. The authors hypothesized that in a given subject, using an insertion point at the tip of the transverse process has a superficial but consistent depth to the pleura. The authors also hypothesized that for a given insertion point, depths to the pleura are related directly to the patient's anthropomorphic indices. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Adult tertiary teaching hospital. Participants: Forty-two adult patients. Interventions: N/A Measurements and Main Results: The authors reviewed the computerized tomography scans of 42 adult patients and correlated patient..