Essential systems

Dr Egeler with the SonoSite S-Nerve.

SonoSite’s MicroMaxx and S-Nerve hand-carried ultrasound systems have become essential tools for regional anaesthesia at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, especially in orthopaedic surgery where approximately three-quarters of the regional blocks in the hospital are performed.

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Christian Egeler, who has a main interest in regional anaesthesia and chronic pain, explained: “We have established a service where one anaesthetist using a SonoSite hand-carried ultrasound system can perform regional blocks for two upper limb surgery lists simultaneously in a day surgical setting.

“This would clearly be impossible without ultrasound. Regional anaesthesia is far less traumatic for patients than general anaesthesia; they virtually jump off the table and are ready to go home within a few hours of surgery.”

See the full report on page 34 of the February 2010 issue of RAD Magazine.