Ultrasound guidance now established procedure
Dr Jim Corcoran uses the SonoSite X-Porte to guide the administration of regional anaesthetics.
Ultrasound guidance is helping Salford Royal’s regional neurosurgical centre to improve safety, save time and enhance the patient experience.
Consultant neuro-anaesthetist and clinical director for perioperative care Dr Jim Corcoran explained: “Before ultrasound guidance became commonplace, regional anaesthesia was performed using nerve stimulators. Although this worked, the procedure wasn’t as smooth. Ultrasound offers an improved way of administering the anaesthetic. The nerve can be visualised, giving assurance that the needle is correctly positioned and allowing the amount of anaesthetic to be dramatically reduced, decreasing the likelihood of side effects. It is quicker, safer and more comfortable for the patient, and you have greater confidence that the block will work.”
Ultrasound guidance is now an established procedure at Salford Royal, according to Dr Cocoran, and a number of Fujifilm SonoSite systems are used for regional anaesthesia and vascular access.
See the full report on page 3 of the November 2017 issue of RAD Magazine.
