In a randomized controlled crossover study design, ultrasound guided infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks will be performed with and without the aid of a needle tip tracking (NTT) system. Specialists in anaesthesiology with average experience in ultrasound guided PNB techniques will perform the blocks. 26 volunteers will be included. The primary objective is to investigate the effect of the NTT system on performance time, as a measure for improved block performance. Secondary objectives are the effects of the NTT system on dexterity, peripheral nerve block characteristics, subjective experience, and peripheral block performance.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
26
An infraclavicular brachial plexus block is performed using ultrasound guidance.
Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, Norway
Performance time
Performance time is defined as the time from insertion of the block needle (skin puncture) until finishing LA injection
Time frame: During peripheral nerve block procedure
Distance travelled by needling hand
Measured by motion analysis from insertion of the block needle (skin puncture) until finishing LA injection
Time frame: During peripheral nerve block procedure
Distance travelled by probe hand
Measured by motion analysis from insertion of the block needle (skin puncture) until finishing LA injection
Time frame: During peripheral nerve block procedure
Number of intended movements (needling hand)
Measured by motion analysis from insertion of the block needle (skin puncture) until finishing LA injection
Time frame: During peripheral nerve block procedure
Number of intended movements (probe hand)
Measured by motion analysis from insertion of the block needle (skin puncture) until finishing LA injection
Time frame: During peripheral nerve block procedure
Block success
A sensory block is defined as successful when there is analgesia (no sensation for touch) or anaesthesia (no sensation at all) involving all five nerves distal to the elbow
Time frame: 30 minutes after peripheral nerve block procedure
Block onset time
Block onset time is defined as the time between the end of LA injection and development of a successful sensory block
Time frame: Within 60 minutes after peripheral nerve block procedure
Block duration
Block duration is the time from the end of LA injection until at least one of the nerves involved in the sensory block has recovered
Time frame: Within 240 minutes after peripheral nerve block procedure
Quantified discomfort during block performance
The participants are asked about discomfort during the block procedure using a numeric rating scale (scale range 0 - 10; 0 = no discomfort; 10 = worst discomfort imaginable)
Time frame: Immediately after peripheral nerve block procedure
Confidence in block success
The anaesthetist is asked if he expects the block to be successful using a numeric rating scale (scale range 0 - 10; 0 = block success unlikely; 10 = block success very likely)
Time frame: Immediately after peripheral nerve block procedure
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