IMD Corp is now offering an innovative Gertie Marx fenestrated needle to be used for post-operative pain relief after major joint surgery. This unique needle has multiple side ports, giving an exceptional distribution of anesthetic. This fenestrated needle is also novel in that it does not require immediate proximity to the femoral nerve or precise placement of the needle tip in the plane of the fascia iliaca. Using this method reduces the risks of injury and time associated with administering local anesthetic to a peripheral nerve. Injection through the Gertie Marx fenestrated needle consistently produces sensory block in the anterior, medial, and lateral aspects of the thigh. There will also be the loss of motor function in the quadriceps muscle.
Peripheral nerve blocks are highly advantageous for continuous pain relief for several reasons. First, narcotic related side effects are less frequently reported in patients receiving continuous peripheral nerve blocks than in patients receiving epidural or intravenous analgesia. Second, urinary catheters are less frequently required in patients receiving peripheral nerve blocks compared to patients receiving epidural analgesia. Third, patient satisfaction is higher in patients having peripheral nerve blocks than in patients utilizing other analgesic methods. Fourth, the ability of a peripheral nerve block to provide site-specific relief contributes to the overall mobilization of the patient after surgery. Indeed, there is strong clinical evidence that peripheral nerve blocks, especially those administered to the lower extremity, provide superior analgesia compared to other types of analgesia and often result in earlier discharge from the hospital after major joint surgery
It is somewhat surprising given all these advantages that only 20-30% of practicing anesthesiologists utilize peripheral nerve blocks as a standard method of analgesia. The most common reasons for avoiding such techniques are time constraints, fear of inadequately anesthetizing an affected nerve, and fear of injuring the affected nerve. Indeed, prior art techniques require a peripheral nerve block needle to be touching or in very close proximity to the affected nerve, without penetrating the nerve or a proximate artery or vein. Positioning the needle in this exact location can be both technically challenging and time consuming.
The major nerves of the lower extremity, including the sciatic and femoral nerves, are unique in that they are contained within well defined fascial compartments. Such lower extremity nerves may be successfully blocked by simply injecting anesthetic into the fascial compartment containing the nerve. Correctly identifying this fascial compartment, however, can be quite challenging.
Accordingly, what is needed is an improved needle for accurately administering anesthetic within a fascial compartment containing an affected lower extremity nerve. Further what is needed is an improved needle for efficiently administering anesthetic within a fascial compartment containing an affected lower extremity nerve. This is where the Gertie Marx fenestrated needle comes in.
You too can be part of the group of physicians offering higher quality peripheral nerve blocks. Contact us today for your free sterile sample.
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