B Braun 331685 - Continuous Nerve Block Set, 20G x 2", 12 EA/CS
The B Braun 331685 Continuous Nerve Block Set is a medical device designed for performing continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB). This set is used for delivering continuous anesthesia or pain relief through the infusion of local anesthetics near peripheral nerves, making it ideal for post-operative pain management and regional anesthesia. The set includes a 20-gauge needle and catheter for precise placement near the target nerve, allowing for prolonged delivery of anesthetics over an extended period.
Key Design Features:
- 20-Gauge Needle: The 20G needle is designed for precise nerve localization and allows for easy catheter placement near the nerve for continuous anesthetic infusion.
- 2-Inch Length: The 2-inch needle length provides the right balance for targeting peripheral nerves, allowing for effective placement in various anatomical locations.
- Continuous Catheter: The set includes a catheter that remains in place near the nerve, allowing for continuous or intermittent administration of anesthetic agents for extended periods.
- Echogenic Design: The needle is designed to be echogenic, enhancing visibility under ultrasound guidance, improving accuracy during insertion.
- Luer Lock Connections: Secure Luer lock connections ensure safe and stable attachment to infusion devices, minimizing the risk of disconnection or leakage during anesthetic delivery.
- Sterile and Single-Use: The set is sterile and designed for single-patient use, ensuring infection control and reducing the risk of contamination.
Purpose and Intended Use in Medical Settings
The B Braun 331685 Continuous Nerve Block Set is primarily used for performing continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB), where local anesthetics are delivered continuously through a catheter to provide long-term pain relief. This technique is commonly used in regional anesthesia for surgical procedures and post-operative pain management, especially in cases where traditional systemic analgesics might have undesirable side effects.
Common uses include:
- Post-Operative Pain Management: Provides prolonged pain relief after surgery by continuously infusing local anesthetics near the target nerve.
- Regional Anesthesia: Used in orthopedic surgeries and other procedures where anesthesia is localized to a specific region, reducing the need for general anesthesia.
- Chronic Pain Management: Suitable for patients requiring continuous pain relief, such as those with chronic pain conditions.
Benefits for Healthcare Professionals
- Precise Nerve Localization: The 20-gauge needle allows for accurate placement of the catheter near the target nerve, ensuring effective delivery of anesthetic agents.
- Continuous Pain Relief: The ability to deliver anesthetics continuously through the catheter provides long-term pain relief, reducing the need for systemic analgesics and improving patient outcomes.
- Ultrasound Guidance Compatibility: The echogenic needle design enhances visibility under ultrasound, making it easier to accurately guide the needle to the target nerve and improving the success rate of nerve block procedures.
- Secure Connections: The Luer lock system ensures that the catheter remains securely connected to infusion pumps or other delivery devices, reducing the risk of disconnections during use.
- Sterile, Single-Use Design: The set is sterile and intended for single-patient use, reducing the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The B Braun 331685 Continuous Nerve Block Set meets essential safety and quality standards for medical devices:
- ISO 13485 Certification: Manufactured under ISO 13485 standards, ensuring consistent quality management and safety in the production of medical devices.
- FDA Approval: Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meeting safety and efficacy standards for nerve block sets.
- CE Marking: The product holds CE marking, indicating compliance with European health, safety, and environmental standards.
Comparison with Similar Products
The B Braun 331685 Continuous Nerve Block Set offers several advantages over other nerve block sets:
- Continuous Delivery: The set allows for continuous infusion of anesthetics, providing long-term pain relief, whereas traditional single-shot nerve blocks may only offer short-term relief.
- Echogenic Needle for Ultrasound Guidance: The echogenic design of the needle enhances visibility under ultrasound, improving the accuracy of catheter placement compared to non-echogenic needles.
- Secure Luer Lock System: The Luer lock connectors provide a secure and stable connection to infusion pumps or other delivery systems, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection.
Common User Profile and Appropriate Scenarios
The B Braun 331685 Continuous Nerve Block Set is typically used by:
- Anesthesiologists performing regional anesthesia for surgical procedures, such as orthopedic surgeries, where continuous pain relief is required.
- Pain management specialists using continuous nerve blocks for patients with chronic pain or those recovering from surgery.
- Surgical teams using continuous nerve blocks for post-operative pain management, especially in procedures where effective pain control can enhance recovery.
This product is particularly useful in scenarios such as:
- Post-surgical pain management, where patients require continuous pain relief for several days after surgery.
- Orthopedic procedures, where localized pain control is crucial to minimize the need for systemic analgesics.
- Chronic pain conditions, where continuous delivery of local anesthetics can provide significant pain relief over an extended period.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
To ensure the safe and effective use of the B Braun 331685 Continuous Nerve Block Set, healthcare professionals should follow these best practices:
- Inspect for Integrity: Before use, check the packaging and components for any signs of damage or contamination. Do not use if the sterile packaging is compromised.
- Use Ultrasound for Guidance: To ensure accurate catheter placement near the target nerve, use ultrasound guidance to visualize the needle and confirm positioning.
- Secure Catheter Properly: Ensure that the catheter is securely connected to the infusion device using the Luer lock system, and monitor for any signs of disconnection or leakage during infusion.
- Monitor Infusion Rates: Regularly monitor the infusion pump settings to ensure that the anesthetic is being delivered at the correct rate and volume.
- Single-Use Only: Dispose of the set after use in accordance with medical waste disposal protocols to prevent cross-contamination and maintain infection control.
Conclusion
The B Braun 331685 Continuous Nerve Block Set offers a reliable and precise solution for delivering continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB), providing long-term pain relief for patients undergoing surgery or requiring chronic pain management. Its 20-gauge needle allows for accurate catheter placement, while the echogenic design ensures better visibility under ultrasound guidance. The continuous delivery of anesthetics via the catheter reduces the need for systemic pain medications, improving patient outcomes and enhancing recovery. Compliance with FDA approval and CE marking guarantees that this product meets the highest standards for safety and efficacy in clinical settings.
