Peripheral nerve catheter techniques

Abstract

Peripheral nerve catheters (PNCs) or perineural catheters are used synonymously to describe placing a catheter in close proximity to nerve plexuses or individual nerves for the provision of continuous pain relief. The indications of PNCs extend beyond upper and lower extremity orthopaedic surgery to perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing a broad range of surgical procedures (e.g. abdominal, vascular, thoracic, breast and trauma surgeries). PNC use can facilitate early mobilization after surgery by providing high-quality analgesia that in turn leads to reduced opioid consumption and associated opioid-related side effects. Perioperative PNC analgesia can result in reduced length of in-hospital stay and improved rates of patient satisfaction. Insertion of PNCs can be done by either anaesthetist or surgeon. Long-term benefits are still to be ascertained. Risks are similar to those for peripheral nerve block, although catheter dislodgement remains a specific problem.