Use of a steerable needle for CT-guided nerve plexus blockade

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Medical Device Technology
• Anatomy & Physiology

Background:

• CT-guided neural plexus blockade is a common procedure.
• Kidney traversal is a potential complication during these procedures.
• Standard needles may increase the risk of traversing vital organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel steerable needle in avoiding kidney traversal during CT-guided neural plexus blockade.
• To compare the safety and effectiveness of a steerable needle versus a standard needle in this context.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 23 CT-guided neural plexus blockade procedures.
• Comparison of 13 procedures using a steerable needle with 10 procedures using a standard needle.
• Data collected on needle trajectory, organ traversal, clinical benefit, and complications.

Main Results:

• Kidney traversal occurred in 0% of procedures with the steerable needle, versus 40% with the standard needle (P=0.02).
• The steerable needle facilitated target area access without organ traversal in 46% of cases.
• No significant difference in clinical benefit or overall complications was observed between needle types.

Conclusions:

• A steerable 21-gauge needle is effective in avoiding kidney traversal during neural plexus blockades.
• This technology may enhance safety for interventional radiologists by allowing avoidance of intervening structures.
• Future iterations of steerable needles could benefit various interventional procedures.