SUPERIOR LARYNGEAL BLOCK
The superior laryngeal nerve supplies sensation to structures above the vocal cords.
SUPERIOR LARYNGEAL NERVE
The superior laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve. Caudal to the greater cornu of the hyoid bone, it divides into the internal and external branch. These are the target nerves. There are two different approaches: external and internal approach
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Intravascular injection
Needle placement into interior larynx
PEARLS
Displace the hyoid bone toward the side the block will be performed on
If there is difficulty identifying the hyoid bone, locate the superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage
Insert needle toward the superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage and then walked celphalad ​
Once the needle loses contact with the bone, inject 2 mls of local anesthetic
While withdrawing needle, inject an additional 2 mLs of local anesthetic
TECHNIQUE
Place patient in the supine position
Have the patient extend their neck
Identify the hyoid bone
Prep the area
Displace the hyoid bone toward the side the block will performed on
Insert a 25 gauge needle on the lateral side of the neck, aiming toward the greater cornu of the hyoid bone
Once the needle has made contact, walk off the bone inferiorly
After negative aspiration, inject local anesthetic