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Case Reports
. 2010:3:45-8.
doi: 10.2147/lra.s12690. Epub 2010 Jul 29.

Popliteal catheter placement utilizing ultrasound needle guidance system

Steven R Clendenen  1 , Christopher B Robards, Roy A Greengrass
Affiliations
Case Reports

Popliteal catheter placement utilizing ultrasound needle guidance system

Steven R Clendenen et al. Local Reg Anesth. 2010.

Abstract

While ultrasound (US)-guided placement of peripheral nerve blocks is rapidly gaining popularity, expert practitioners agree that two of the most significant barriers to safety and efficacy are keeping the needle tip within the image and unintentional probe movement during the procedure.1 In addition, placing a nerve catheter past the needle tip under direct US observation requires two practitioners: one to hold the US probe and needle and another to advance the catheter. We present a case of a needle guidance system that attaches to the ultrasound probe and facilitates in-plane imaging. It enables a single practitioner to successfully execute a popliteal sciatic nerve block and visualize catheter placement. Therefore, a needle guidance system may represent an additional modification to ultrasound imaging that increases both time efficiency as well as safety.

Keywords: needle guidance system; popliteal sciatic nerve catheter; ultrasound.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Axial ultrasound (US) image of the popliteal sciatic nerve with the needle guidance system activated highlighting the projected needle trajectory to the nerve. Philips Ultrasound System HD 11 with 12-3 linear probe (Philips Medical Systems; Andover, MA).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Draped nondisposable component of the Ultra-Pro II™ Needle Guide (CIVCO; Kalona, IA USA) covering a 12-3 linear ultrasound probe (Philips Medical Systems; Andover, MA) with a 17 g × 3.5 inch insulated tuohy needle (Arrow International, Reading, PA) inserted through the disposable portion of the Ultra-Pro II ™ Needle Guide.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Axial ultrasound (US) image of the popliteal sciatic nerve with the needle aligned with the projected needle trajectory course to the nerve. Philips Ultrasound System HD 11 with 12-3 linear probe (Philips Medical Systems; Andover, MA).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Popliteal sciatic nerve catheter (StimCath™, Arrow International, Reading, PA) advancement with the needle position maintained by the needle guide attached to the US probe with the patient prone.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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