Single-Entry Hip Nerve Block for Sensory Analgesia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for regional anesthesia in hip surgeries, particularly for blocking the obturator and accessory obturator nerves, are inadequate in providing effective pain relief without compromising hemodynamics, respiration, or causing motor block, and do not specifically target the sensory articular branches of the femoral, obturator, and accessory obturator nerves.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound-guided single nerve block technique that targets the sensory articular branches of the femoral, obturator, and accessory obturator nerves using a single needle entry point, employing a curvilinear ultrasound probe to deliver local anesthetic to the sub-iliopsoas and sub-pectineal regions, reducing the need for multiple needle entries and minimizing opioid use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multiple needle entry points are used for nerve blocks, then complete coverage of all nerves supplying the hip joint is achieved, but the dosage of local anesthetic must be high and the procedure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nerve block techniques (femoral nerve block and obturator nerve block) into a single injection technique called the single injection femoral obturator block (SFOB). By injecting local anesthetic at the femoral triangle region, the solution simultaneously blocks both the femoral nerve and obturator nerve, eliminating the need for separate needle insertions and reducing procedural complexity while maintaining complete nerve block coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single injection technique serves multiple functions: it blocks the femoral nerve, blocks the obturator nerve, and provides comprehensive analgesia for hip surgery. One injection point and one needle insertion achieve what previously required multiple separate injections, making the technique universally applicable for hip surgical anesthesia with reduced complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple needle entry points are used, then all nerves are blocked, but the dosage of local anesthetic increases by 5-50%
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the femoral nerve block and obturator nerve block into a single injection, the patent eliminates redundant anesthetic administration. The local anesthetic solution is deposited once in the femoral triangle region where it diffuses to block both nerves, reducing the total dosage required compared to administering separate injections for each nerve.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional nerve blocks are used, then pain relief is provided, but motor block and weakness occur as side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs selective nerve block by targeting specific sensory articular branches (femoral and obturator nerves) while preserving motor function. The single injection technique deposits local anesthetic in a manner that preferentially blocks sensory fibers responsible for pain transmission while minimizing blockade of motor fibers, thereby providing effective pain relief without significant motor weakness or block.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If opioid medications are used for pain control, then intra and post-operative pain is managed, but adverse side effects affect patient outcome especially in elderly populations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses regional anesthesia (nerve block) as an intermediary mechanism to achieve pain control without relying on opioid medications. By blocking the femoral and obturator nerves that supply the hip joint, the technique provides effective analgesia through a different physiological pathway, thereby avoiding the adverse side effects of opioids such as respiratory depression, constipation, and cognitive impairment particularly in elderly patients.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides excellent intra- and post-operative pain relief with minimal side effects, allowing early physiotherapy and improved patient satisfaction and hospital outcomes by reducing opioid-related adverse effects and motor weakness.
Implementation Method 1
employing a curvilinear ultrasound probe to deliver local anesthetic to the sub-iliopsoas and sub-pectineal regions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for applying a regional block of the articular sensory branch of femoral (FN), obturator (ON) and accessory obturator nerves (AON) comprising injection of an anesthetic at a single needle entry point into a these nerves anatomical sites. Another aspect of this technology is a kit for performing this method.