Erector spinae plane block as an anesthesia technique for an emergent thoracotomy; a case report

The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel regional block technique for pain management following thoracic surgeries. However, there are minimal cases in which the technique was used as the main anesthesia technique during surgery.

Here, we report the successful use of ESBP for applying anesthesia in a case during an emergent thoracotomy for performing pericardiotomy and loculated tamponade evacuation.

Using ESPB with a higher concentration of local anesthetics, in this case, prepared appropriate anesthesia for performing an emergent thoracotomy while avoiding multiple needle insertions and the risk of further hemodynamic instability.