Echogenic regional anaesthesia needles: a comparison study in Thiel cadavers

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Imaging
• Anatomy

Background:

• Ultrasound guidance is standard for regional nerve blocks.
• Needle visualization during ultrasound procedures remains challenging.
• Echogenic needles aim to improve visibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare the visibility of two new echogenic needles (Pajunk and Braun) against a standard needle.
• Evaluate needle visibility in a Thiel cadaver model.
• Assess visibility under various insertion angles and planes.

Main Methods:

• 144 intramuscular injections in the upper arm using Pajunk echogenic, Braun echogenic, and standard Braun needles.
• In-plane and out-of-plane insertions at 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75° angles.
• Assessment by two blinded observers using a 5-point Likert scale; interobserver agreement (κ=0.77).

Main Results:

• Pajunk echogenic needle showed greater visibility than the Braun standard needle in-plane (p=0.04).
• Pajunk echogenic needle was more visible than both Braun needles out-of-plane (p=0.02).
• Needle type (p<0.001) and plane of insertion (p=0.08) were significant predictors of visibility (ROC AUC=0.90).

Conclusions:

• The Pajunk echogenic needle offers the best visibility for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.
• Improved needle visibility can enhance the safety and efficacy of nerve blocks.
• This study validates echogenic needle performance in a relevant anatomical model.