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Comparison of Perineural Catheter Depth for the Continuous Popliteal Nerve Block Using Ultrasound Guidance and Dermabond

Comparison of Perineural Catheter Depth for the Continuous Popliteal Nerve Block Using Ultrasound Guidance and Dermabond

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01591603
Enrollment
83
Registered
2012-05-04
Start date
2012-05-31
Completion date
2015-07-31
Last updated
2015-07-20

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Neuromuscular Inhibition

Brief summary

The study will investigate the difference in success rate between popliteal peripheral nerve catheters placed at 1 centimeter compared to 5 centimeters past the tip of a Tuohy needle.

Detailed description

Traditionally for the lower extremity, peripheral nerve catheters have been threaded greater than or equal to 5 centimeters past the tip of the Tuohy needle. The major rational for this practice is to reduce dislodgement. However, the greater the distance that a catheter is advanced, the greater the risk of contacting undesired structures, kinking, looping and knotting. For the continuous popliteal nerve block, the catheter is threaded perpendicular to the course of the nerve. This could result in the tip of the catheter being a significant distance from the targeted nerve which may lead to a decrease in the success rate or efficacy of the block. Greater efficacy may be seen if the needle is closer to its target. This may be quantified by documenting a faster onset of motor and sensory changes and/or a lower catheter infusion rate required to maintain pain control. The study will investigate the difference in success rate between popliteal peripheral nerve catheters placed at 1 centimeter compared to 5 centimeters past the tip of a Tuohy needle.

Interventions

PROCEDURE1 cm

A Tuohy needle will be advanced in-plane with the bevel cephalad to a point that lies between the tibial and common peroneal branches of the sciatic nerve. The catheter will be advanced 1 cm past the tip of the Tuohy

PROCEDURE5 cm

A Tuohy needle will be advanced in-plane with the bevel cephalad to a point that lies between the tibial and common peroneal branches of the sciatic nerve. The catheter will be advanced 5 cm past the tip of the Tuohy

Sponsors

Vanderbilt University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Will be having a popliteal nerve blocks * Do not meet any of the

Exclusion criteria

listed below.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Peripheral block score (PBS).10, 20, and 30 minutes after interventionThe extent of popliteal nerve blockade will be captured with four sensory groups (sural, superficial peroneal, tibial, and deep peroneal) and three motor groups (superficial peroneal, tibial, and deep peroneal). For each group, a score of 0, 1, or 2 will be assigned based on complete, partial, or no blockade, respectively. The peripheral block score (PBS) outcome variable will be based on the sum of these values and will range from 0 to 14.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain scoreArrival to PACU (Immediately after surgery, approximately 3-5 hours after intervention)The investigators will examine the difference in the pain scores (0-10 numeric rating scale) between the two groups.
Analgesia failure rateArrival to PACU (Immediately after surgery, approximately 3-5 hours after intervention)The investigators will examine the difference in analgesia failure rates in the PACU. Analgesia failure is defined as the failure of a rescue bolus (to treat patient pain).
Catheter dislodgement ratesArrival to PACU (Immediately after surgery, approximately 3-5 hours after intervention)The investigators will examine the difference in the catheter dislodgement rates.
Difference in total opioid usageLength of Stay In PACU (Approximately 5-7 hours after intervention)The investigators will examine the difference in the total opioid usage. We will compare medications separately and in total equivalent units (using an opioid conversion table).
Degree of Doppler color agitationImmediately after interventionThe investigators will examine the relationship between the degree of Doppler color agitation (evaluated at the time the catheter is placed) and block success (i.e., the outcome in the primary analysis). Degree of agitation color will be defined as the percentage of nerve covered during the color agitation.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 13, 2026