Patent ID: 7727224
Filing Date: 2010-06-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of administering a nerve block to a patient with reduced risk of intraneuronal injection, said method comprising (a) providing a system for administration of the nerve block in the patient with reduced risk of intraneuronal injection, said system comprising (b) inserting the output end of the nerve block needle into the vicinity of the nerve to be blocked; (c) starting delivery of the anesthetic; (d) monitoring the pressure of the anesthetic during delivery of the anesthetic; (e) continuing delivery of the anesthetic so long as the pressure remains within a normal range based on the nerve to be blocked; (f) if the pressure increases to an abnormal range based on the nerve to be blocked, interrupting delivery of the anesthetic so that appropriate corrective action can be taken; (g) if the delivery of the anesthetic is interrupted in step (f), taking the appropriate corrective action and then continuing delivery of the anesthetic; and (h) repeating steps (d) through (g) until delivery of the anesthetic is complete or delivery of anesthetic is terminated, wherein the appropriate corrective action comprises repositioning the output end of the nerve block needle such that the output end remains within the vicinity of the nerve to be blocked but does not penetrate the nerve to be blocked.