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C
ontinuous nerve blocks can help patients comfortably recover at
home from even the most painful procedures with few or no opi-
oids — and their undesirable side effects. Despite this appeal,
many facilities shy away from placing CNBs, thinking they're too
difficult, too risky or too inefficient to perform routinely. Nearly
70% of the 128 respondents to an Outpatient Surgery Magazine reader survey
say their anesthesia providers "rarely" or "never" use continuous catheters with
peripheral nerve blocks. Good news if you'd like your providers to place more
continuous catheters. Here are 3 technological breakthroughs that may make
blocks more efficient and safer to place.
1. Enhanced ultrasound imaging
Though ultrasound guidance hasn't been shown in studies to improve block-
Supercharge Your
Continuous Nerve Block Program
These 3 technological advances could make continuous catheters
easier to place. Kendal Gapinski | Associate Editor
• BETTER BLOCKS Many providers who place continuous catheters say that ultrasound guidance helps improve their efficiency.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
