METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING A PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCK

摘要

A system for infusing medication into a mammalian subject is provided. The system includes an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor is provided that detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor and the sensor continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system further includes a conductive element for providing electric nerve stimulation, wherein the system provides electric nerve stimulation in response to the sensor detecting a pressure exceeding an upper limit.

主权项

1. An apparatus for administering fluid into an anatomic space, comprising:
an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle, wherein the needle is configured for subcutaneous insertion into a mammalian subject; a sensor for detecting a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle, wherein the sensor is configured to continuously to detect the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject; and an electric nerve stimulation element for providing an electric nerve stimulation at or adjacent to a tip of the needle; wherein the electric nerve stimulation element provides electric nerve stimulation to a patient after the sensor detects a characteristic of the fluid pressure indicative of the fluid pressure exceeding an upper threshold.