Succinylcholine and neuromuscular blockade monitoring

tem concerns who should be watching the pressure manometer during peripheral nerve blockade. Clearly the operator cannot, as they are watching the ultrasound screen, nor can the assistant, who should be watching the screen to ensure injectate appearance without intravenous injection. It could be argued that a second, dedicated assistant is needed to monitor the BSmart device. At the moment, I suggest there is no perfect pressure monitor or injection technique for the deposition of local anaesthetic around nerves. Patil et al.’s study indicates that injection pressure monitoring is still in its infancy. Any valid monitor developed in the future would require automated calibration for the whole system, measurable flow rates of less than 15 ml.min , and some form of audible rather than visual warning when injection pressures become excessive.