Randomized comparison of popliteal-sciatic perineural catheter tip migration and dislocation in a cadaver model using two catheter designs

Assessment of catheter position using chest CT in adults undergoing erector spinae plane analgesia for rib fractures: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) analgesia is a common adjuvant for patients with traumatic rib fracture pain and success relies on the ESP catheter remaining within the correct fascial plane for the duration of its placement. However, knowledge on postplacement position of indwelling ESP catheters is largely absent. We hypothesized that migration of over-the-needle ESP catheters was common and detectable with coincidental postprocedure CT.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, adults admitted to the surgical intensive care unit for traumatic rib fractures between January 2020 and July 2022 were screened. Those receiving continuous ESP analgesia via indwelling catheter and undergoing subsequent chest CT were included. The primary outcome was the proportion of catheters that migrated outside the ESP. The secondary outcome was the distance between the catheter tip and the nearest transverse process (TP) or fascial plane.

RESULTS

160 medical records were screened for eligibility and 15 patients (18 catheters) met the inclusion criteria. 16 of 18 catheters reviewed were found outside the ESP. Furthermore, catheter position was reported as intramuscular in 14 catheters and subcutaneous in 4 catheters. The median distance between catheter tip and the nearest TP (or the ESP) was 23.20 mm sagittally and 25.05 mm axially.

CONCLUSIONS

Most ESP catheters were found superficial to the fascial plane in the days following their placement. The median distance between the catheter and the ESP is between 23 and 25 mm. Prospective studies should address catheter migration concerns and propose solutions to this common issue.

Impact of self-coiling catheters for continuous popliteal sciatic block on postoperative pain level and dislocation rate: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Dislocation of catheters within the tissue is a challenge in continuous regional anesthesia. A novel self-coiling catheter design is available and has demonstrated a lower dislocation rate in a cadaver model. The dislocation rate and effect on postoperative pain of these catheters in vivo has yet to be determined and were the subjects of this investigation.

Methods

After ethics committee approval 140 patients undergoing elective distal lower limb surgery were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Preoperatively, patients were randomly assigned and received either the conventional (n = 70) or self-coiling catheter (n = 70) for ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block in short axis view and by the in-plane approach from lateral to medial. The primary outcome was pain intensity after surgery and on the following three postoperative days. Secondary outcomes investigated were dislocation rate in situ determined by sonography, catheter movement visible from outside, opioid consumption as well as leakage at the puncture site.

Results

All catheters were successfully inserted. The study population of self-coiling catheters had significantly lower mean numeric rating scale values than the reference cohort on the first (p = 0.01) and second postoperative days (p < 0.01). Sonographic evaluation demonstrated, 42 standard catheters (60%) and 10 self-coiling catheters (14.3%) were dislocated in situ within the first three postoperative days. The externally visible movement of the catheters at insertion site did not differ significantly between groups through the third postoperative day. The opioid consumption was significantly lower in the self-coiling catheter group on the day of surgery and on the second and third postoperative days (p = 0.04, p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

The self-coiling catheter offers a better postoperative pain control and a lower dislocation rate within the tissue when blocking the popliteal sciatic nerve compared to a conventional catheter. Further trials in large patient cohorts are warranted to investigate the potential beneficial effects of self-coiling catheters for other localisations and other application techniques.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) on 08/04/2020 (DRKS00020938, retrospectively registered).

Peripheral nerve catheters: A critical review of the efficacy

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks are commonly used for postoperative analgesia after surgery. However, catheter failure may occur due to either primary (incorrect insertion) or secondary reasons (displacement, obstruction, disconnection). Catheter failure results in unanticipated pain, need for opioid use, and risk of readmission or delay in hospital discharge. This review aimed to assess definition and frequency of catheter failure, and discuss the alternatives to prolong duration of single-shot nerve blocks. A literature search was performed on peripheral catheters reporting failure as the main outcome measure. Thirty-three studies met the selection criteria, comprising 2711 catheters. Literature review suggests that peripheral nerve catheters have clinically significant failure rate when the assessment is performed using an objective (imaging) method. Subjective methods of assessment (without imaging) may underestimate the incidence of catheter failure.

Pediatric Ambulatory Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Despite the widespread use of ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve blocks in adults, its use in children has been sporadic. Indications for the use of ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve block in children involve orthopedic procedure, where significant pain is anticipated beyond 24 hours. Techniques to place the perineural catheters in children are similar to that used in adults. The incidence of serious side effects in pediatric ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve block is extremely rare. When this is combined with the potential to increase patient and family satisfaction and decrease opioid-related side effects, ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve block become a compelling choice.