CPT® Code 64466

A thoracic fascial plane block is a medical procedure designed to alleviate post-operative pain, particularly following chest surgery, while also aiming to reduce the reliance on opioid medications for pain management. This procedure involves the precise injection of a local anesthetic into the thoracic fascial plane, which is a specific anatomical space within the chest wall. The use of continuous ultrasound guidance is a critical component of this procedure, as it allows the healthcare provider to accurately visualize the target area and the surrounding anatomical structures. During the procedure, a transducer is placed over the designated site to identify the relevant layers of the chest wall, ensuring that the injection is delivered to the correct location. To enhance safety and accuracy, hydrodissection is employed, which involves the injection of saline in front of the needle tip. This technique creates a visible halo effect that aids in confirming the correct positioning of the needle within the fascial plane, thereby minimizing the risk of intramuscular injection. Once the appropriate position is confirmed, the block needle is advanced into the interfascial plane, where the local anesthetic is then injected unilaterally. This targeted approach is particularly beneficial for patients undergoing thoracic surgeries, as it can significantly improve their post-operative recovery experience by managing pain effectively and reducing the need for systemic opioids.