A Comparison of Peripheral Nerve Catheter Securement Techniques at the Insertion Site in Healthy Volunteers

A Comparison of Peripheral Nerve Catheter Securement Techniques at the Insertion Site in Healthy Volunteers

Continuous peripheral nerve block catheters are used for prolonged analgesia, but are often associated with complications such as catheter failure or dislodgement. This is a single center, prospective study to compare peripheral nerve catheter securement techniques at the insertion site in healthy volunteers.

This study will involve the placement of subcutaneous peripheral nerve catheters in healthy volunteers utilizing 6 different securement techniques. The primary outcome is the force required to dislodge the peripheral nerve catheter by 1 centimeter as measured by a dynamometer in Newtons. The secondary endpoint will be the force required to disrupt the catheter dressing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-85 years
• American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I-II
• BMI 18-30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to cooperate with or understand protocol
• Inability to understand or speak English
• Allergy to adhesive or tape
• Local infection in lower extremities
• Neurologic deficit or disorder
• Anticoagulation