News Updates
A Study on the Application of the Echo-Enhanced Needle in Ultrasound-Guided Posterior Rami Blockade of the Lumbar and Sacral Nerves
Release date:
2021-07-23 11:54
Source:
Department of Pain Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041
The visibility of the needle shaft and tip is critical for ultrasound‑guided peripheral nerve blocks. Currently, most puncture needles used in ultrasound‑guided nerve blocks only allow visualization of the moving needle trajectory as it displaces surrounding tissues. When the target site is deep or the insertion angle is steep, the entire needle—particularly its tip—may be poorly visualized on ultrasound, posing potential safety concerns. A novel puncture needle addresses this issue by incorporating numerous grooves at the distal end of the shaft, which enhance ultrasonic reflection toward the transducer. This results in clearer visualization of the needle on ultrasound images, offering clinicians greater options for ultrasound‑guided nerve blockade. The increased echogenicity of the needle improves its precise visualization, thereby enhancing puncture accuracy and reducing procedural risks.
In summary, ultrasound can accurately visualize the lumbar transverse processes and facet joints, enabling guided lumbar medial branch nerve blocks. The echo‑enhanced needle yields higher procedural success rates and greater overall pain relief compared with conventional puncture needles during ultrasound‑guided lumbar medial branch nerve blocks. By improving image clarity and accuracy to a certain extent, the echo‑enhanced needle enhances the safety of clinical procedures and holds promising clinical applications.
