About Bier Block and Its Origins

A retired anesthesiologist with a career spanning three decades, Bobby Gene Bennett, Jr., MD, has served patients in numerous healthcare institutions across East Texas.

Fellowship trained in cardiac anesthesia, his practice also included general, pediatric, obstetric, transplant in addition to advanced interventional pain procedures such as epidurals, and common regional anesthesia, including femoral nerve blocks and Bier blocks.

The Bier block, also called intravenous regional anesthesia, was introduced by German surgeon August Bier. This anesthesia technique typically utilizes the combination of a double tourniquet, using a proximal cuff and distal cuff; and the injection of preservative-free prilocaine or lidocaine. It is suitable for short open surgical procedures or closed reductions involving the arm below the elbow or the leg below the knee. Typically, intravenous regional anesthesia is requested when the surgery is expected to be completed within 40 to 60 minutes.

Although August Bier introduced this block in 1908, it soon fell into disuse as anesthesia research advanced. However, it regained popularity in the 1960s. This technique is currently widely used because of its safety, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity, especially in minor surgeries such as hand ganglionectomy, Dupuytren contractures, carpal tunnel release, and reduction of fractures.

Ole Miss—Bennett Scholarship for Future Physicians

A resident of The Woodlands, Texas, Bobby Gene Bennett, Jr., MD, earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and was fellowship trained in cardiac anesthesia. In 2014, Dr. Bennett established the Bennett Scholarship for Future Physicians, an award granted to aspiring and qualified pre-med students from his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi.

An endowment donated in 2014 by Dr. Bennett, the Bennett Scholarship for Future Physicians provides financial assistance to students planning to study and pursue a career in the practice of medicine. Eligible students must be full-time freshmen commencing their studies at the University of Mississippi (MU) and currently reside in Tupelo.

To apply for the award, students must obtain a recommendation from the university’s Health Professions Advisor. Scholarship awardees are subsequently selected by the Health Professions Advising Office, and their progress is monitored throughout their academic career. Incoming freshmen may receive tuition assistance for up to eight semesters if they continue to maintain their GPA while enrolled in studies to become a physician.This scholarship is awarded annually. 

ASA Membership Benefits

As an anesthesiologist and interventional pain management consultant, Bobby Gene Bennett, Jr., MD, provided independent medical services to patients in East Texas for other 30 years prior to retiring in 2019. During his years of practice, Dr. Bennett was a member of several professional associations such as the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

ASA is a national association of physician anesthesiologists founded in 1905 to advocate for patients who need anesthesia or relief from pain. Currently, there are over 54,000 ASA members within the four general ASA membership categories - physicians, non-physician anesthesia care providers and care team members, in-training, and international.

Members help ASA with its mission to advance the practice and receive benefits in return. Among the benefits offered by ASA are fee reductions to meetings, such as the annual Anesthesiology meeting and Anesthesia Quality meeting.

ASA members also receive free access to the online communities and member directory, as well as to the ASA Guide to Anesthesia Department Administration. Career-wise, ASA members can access the Practice Management presentations and receive discounts to purchase CROSSWALK, an anesthesia coding guide.