What is continuous peripheral nerve block catheter?

Also known as: continuous peripheral nerve block, CPNB.

A continuous peripheral nerve block catheter is a catheter that delivers anesthesia to a nerve, providing continuous pain relief during or after medical procedures.
 

What happens during the procedure?

The patient is sedated, and the thin, thread-like catheter is inserted under the skin and guided via ultrasound to the nerve site. Once it’s in place, it can begin delivering anesthesia medicine in order to numb the body for pain relief.
 

Is any special preparation needed?

The patient may need to avoid food, drink and medications for a period of time before the procedure. 
 

What are the risk factors?

Bleeding or blood clots, infection, loss of sensation, loss of strength and reactions to anesthesia are all potential risks of a continuous peripheral nerve block catheter. 

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Reviewed by: Balagangadhar Totapally, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM