scholarly journals A Novel Plant Based Ultrasound Phantom

Author(s):  
Shiv Kumar Singh ◽  
Tuhin Mistry

Introduction In most of the ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia workshops, anaesthesiologists usually concentrate on identification of nerves & plexus on human volunteers and practice needling techniques on phantom. Proper needle insertion technique and correct manipulation are two important skills for ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks. These skills can be sharpened by practicing on ultrasound phantom. It also helps anaesthesiologists to develop, practice and maintain the skills needed for regional anaesthesia and vascular access procedures [1]. But the use of phantoms is often limited due to the cost of the blue phantom [2]. Many courses use meat-based products like turkey legs or porcine models but these may not be acceptable to everyone [3,4]. Vegetable based models using gelatine also may not be acceptable as it too is made from animal products. We describe novel use of Aloe Vera (AV)stem as phantom for US guided needling training. This natural AV gel-based phantom can be used for scanning, needling and refine other relevant skills. The AV phantom can be constructed from low cost, readily available natural source and is reusable. Various materials have been used to make ultrasound training phantoms. Commercially available phantoms are expensive and homemade nerve block models are cumbersome to prepare [5]. The Aloe Vera gel is obtained from Aloe Vera plant (Aloe barbadensis miller). It is a natural product which has been used for centuries in various field specially in dermatology. Aloe Vera leaves are triangular and fleshy with serrated edges. Each leaf contains an inner clear gel which is made of 99% water and other substances (glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins) [6]. Aloe Vera is odorless and semi-transparent unlike meat-based models. Preparing the Aloe Vera US Model The covering of the leaves is non-echogenic and hence the pulp from Aloe Vera leaves is separated and placed in layers and covered with a Transparent Dressing(Te

Author(s):  
Colin J. L. McCartney ◽  
Alan J. R. Macfarlane

Peripheral nerve blocks of the upper limb can provide excellent anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia. A variety of well-established traditional approaches to the brachial plexus exist, namely interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary techniques. Individual terminal nerves such as the median, radial, ulnar, and other smaller nerves can also be blocked more distally. The traditional and ultrasound-guided approach to each of these nerve blocks is discussed in turn in this chapter, along with specific indications and complications. The introduction of ultrasound guidance has generated significant excitement in this field in the last 10 years and has been demonstrated to improve efficacy and reduce complications. However, a sound knowledge of anatomy of the nerve supply to the upper limb remains essential during any upper limb regional anaesthesia technique.


2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. Deam ◽  
R. Kluger ◽  
J. Barrington ◽  
C.A. McCutcheon

A new ‘texturing method’ has been developed for nerve block needles in an attempt to improve the ultrasonic image of the needles. Using a synthetic phantom, these textured needles were compared to currently available needles. The textured needle had improved visibility under ultrasound. This type of needle may assist the anaesthetist perform ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia.


2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 1076-1081 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Hebard ◽  
G. Hocking ◽  
K. Murray

We assessed whether echogenic needles reduce tip location error, by comparing three echogenic designs (Pajunk Sonoplex, Lifetech, B. Braun Stimuplex D+) with a non-echogenic control (Pajunk Uniplex), using a novel assessment technique in unembalmed human cadavers. Multiple images were taken of each needle at shallow (15 to 25°), moderate (35 to 45°) and steep (55 to 65°) insertion angles. Twenty anaesthetists with varied experience in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks identified needle tip position and stated their confidence level in estimates. Actual tip position was determined at the time of image generation but concealed from the anaesthetists. Two-dimensional mapping of ‘tip-error’ involved measurement of the distance and orientation of each clinician's estimate of tip position in relation to the actual tip position. There were no significant differences in confidence or overall needle visibility at shallow insertion angles. At steeper angles, the Sonoplex showed significantly higher confidence and visibility scores. The remaining echogenic designs did not show any significant differences from the non-echogenic control. Objective measurements of tip error followed the same pattern as the subjective data, although were not universally significant. Two-dimensional mapping showed that as needle visibility deteriorated, so precise tip location was lost but the needle shaft/insertion path remained well-identified. As visibility deteriorated further, accuracy in this axis was also lost. When inaccurate, clinicians generally assessed the needle tip to be more superficial and inserted less far than it actually was. This has important implications for the safety of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia. Effective echogenic needle technology has the potential to address these concerns.


Author(s):  
Shiv Kumar Singh ◽  
Tuhin Mistry

Background: The local anaesthetic(LA) injection technique during ultrasound guided nerve blocks varies worldwide. This online poll was conceived to explore the current practice among the anaesthesiologists. Methodology: Two separate polls were created and posted at the same time with appropriate multiple choices in a closed Facebook group ‘The Anaesthetist’. Participants were allowed to take part in these online-based polls over a period of seven days. The responses were collected and put down in the Excel sheet to calculate absolute numbers and percentages. Results: Among the respondents, 63.45% of the ultrasound users keep hold on to the needle and let a trained assistant inject the LA while 14.61 % of the responders use ‘Let Go’ of the needle technique and inject the LA themselves. Amongst 248 ultrasound users, only one anaesthesiologist use Jedi grip but no one is currently using other grips described in the literature. Conclusion: LA injection technique varies among the anaesthesiologists throughout the globe. Majority of the anaesthesiologists let a trained assistant inject the LA and some inject the LA themselves. Keywords: Ultrasound, Regional Anaesthesia, Jedi grip, Bedforth grip, On-lock grip, ‘let-go’ of the needle, Single-handed injection technique, Online poll


This clinically based, comprehensive textbook provides a detailed description of the most useful nerve blocks in ultrasound guided regional anesthesia. Four sections cover Basic Principles (including an appendix, “What Block for What Surgery?), Upper Limb Blocks, Lower Limb Blocks, and Trunk and Spine Blocks. The initial chapter provides a review of ultrasound physics that allows the practitioner to understand how to optimize the ultrasound machine to produce the best ultrasound images possible. This foundation, along with the clinical tips and step-by-step techniques for in-plane and out-of-plane needle guidance, make this instructive text useful for practitioners at all levels. The first chapter also includes seven Keys to Ultrasound Success and concludes with a clinical summary of which blocks to perform for specific surgeries or trauma situations. The specific blocks covered in the remaining chapters range from the classic femoral, interscalene, popliteal sciatic, and axillary blocks to more novel blocks such as the adductor canal, selective suprascapular, quadratus lumborum, and PECS blocks. Each block description includes a review of clinical anatomy, indications, positioning, and a step-by-step approach to ultrasound imaging and needle insertion. Ultrasound images are provided in both an unedited, clean version and a companion version that is clearly labeled, allowing the reader to compare the images side by side. Throughout the book, comprehensive photographs of ultrasound images, cadaver dissections, and patient positioning are provided, with vibrant, colorful annotations that significantly add to the clarity of instruction provided.


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