ear, nose, and throat disorders
How To Do an Auricular Block
Step by Step Description of Auricular Block
See also figure Auricular Block . Apply nonsterile gloves, mask, and safety glasses or a face shield. Cleanse ear and surrounding skin with antiseptic solution and allow to dry. There are 2 needle insertion sites: one approximately 2 cm inferior to the lobe of the ear (see 1 on figure Auricular Block) and the other approximately 1 cm superior to the pinna (see 2 on figure). Inject a small amount of anesthetic at the injection site inferior to the lobe (see 1 on figure Auricular Block) to form a skin wheal. Direct the needle toward a point 1cm anterior to the tragus (see A on figure) and inject 2 mL of anesthetic as the needle is withdrawn. Do not completely remove the needle from the subcutaneous space. Redirect the needle toward the mastoid process (see B on figure Auricular Block) and inject 2 mL of anesthetic as the needle is withdrawn. Inject a small amount of anesthetic superior to the pinna (see 2 on figure Auricular Block) to form a skin wheal. Direct the needle toward a point 1cm anterior to the tragus (see C on figure) and inject 2 mL of anesthetic as the needle is withdrawn. Do not completely remove the needle from the subcutaneous space. Redirect the needle toward the mastoid process (see D on figure Auricular Block) and inject 2 mL of anesthetic as the needle is withdrawn. Await onset of anesthesia (3 to 5 minutes). 