Ultrasound monitored continuous anesthesia apparatus and method of using the same

Abstract

The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

1 - 105 . (canceled) 
     
     
         106 . A medical apparatus for administering an anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or a prolonged nerve block to one or more nerves of a patient, comprising:
 an over the needle catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end of the over the needle catheter to the distal end of the over the needle catheter; and   a cannula comprising a hub, a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, and at least a portion of the cannula configured to be arranged in the lumen of the over the needle catheter such that a distal end of the cannula extends past the distal end of the over the needle catheter, wherein the cannula comprises a material that is configured to be seen by an external imaging device,   wherein at least a portion of the cannula is arranged within the lumen of the over the needle catheter such that a distal end of the cannula extends past the distal end of the over the needle catheter,   wherein the cannula and the over the needle catheter are configured to be inserted into a patient substantially simultaneously, and   wherein at least a portion of the over the needle catheter is configured to remain in the patient when the cannula is removed from the over the needle catheter and the over the needle catheter is configured to receive the anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or a prolonged nerve block.   
     
     
         107 . The medical apparatus of  claim 106 , wherein the cannula is configured to be electrically coupled to a nerve stimulator. 
     
     
         108 . The medical apparatus of  claim 107 , wherein the over the needle catheter comprises a material configured to provide a kink resistant over the needle catheter. 
     
     
         109 . The medical apparatus of  claim 108 , wherein the distal end of the over the needle catheter comprises a tapered shape. 
     
     
         110 . The medical apparatus of  claim 109 , wherein the distal end of the over the needle catheter is sized to have an interference fit with the cannula. 
     
     
         111 . The medical apparatus of  claim 110 , wherein the over the needle catheter further comprises one or more imaging markers. 
     
     
         112 . The medical apparatus of  claim 111 , wherein the cannula further comprises one or more imaging markers. 
     
     
         113 . The medical apparatus of claim of  claim 109 , wherein the over the needle catheter further comprises one or more lateral ports. 
     
     
         114 . The medical apparatus of claim of  claim 109 , wherein the one or more lateral ports comprises three lateral ports. 
     
     
         115 . The medical apparatus of  claim 106 , further comprising an active imaging element arranged on a portion of the over the needle catheter. 
     
     
         116 . The medical apparatus of  claim 106 , wherein the over the needle catheter further comprises a pre-formed resilient portion on a portion of the over the needle catheter. 
     
     
         117 . The medical apparatus of  claim 116 , wherein the pre-formed resilient portion is configured to position a portion of the over the needle catheter to a second position from a first position when the cannula is removed from the over the needle catheter. 
     
     
         118 . A method for administering a pharmacological agent to a patient, comprising the steps of:
 providing an over the needle catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end of the over the needle catheter to the distal end of the over the needle catheter; and   providing a cannula comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula;   inserting the cannula into the lumen of the over the needle catheter such that the distal end of the cannula extends past the distal end of the over the needle catheter;   inserting, substantially simultaneously, the distal end of cannula and the distal end of the over the needle catheter into the patient;   advancing the distal end of the cannula and the distal end of the over the needle catheter to a desired treatment situs using ultrasound as an external visualization aid;   removing the cannula from the lumen of the over the needle catheter and leaving the distal end of the over the needle catheter at the desired treatment situs;   connecting a pump to the over the needle catheter; and   activating the pump to administer the pharmacological agent to the patient.   
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 118 , wherein the inserting, substantially simultaneously, the distal end of cannula and the distal end of the over the needle catheter into the patient is performed with one hand of a clinician. 
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 118 , wherein the desired treatment situs comprises one or more nerves of a patient. 
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 118 , wherein the removing the cannula from the lumen of the over the needle catheter step is performed with one hand of a clinician. 
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 120 , further comprising the step of removing the over the needle catheter from the patient. 
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 120 , wherein the pump comprises a disposable pump. 
     
     
         124 . The method of  claim 120 , wherein the pump comprises an elastomeric pump. 
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 120 , wherein the pump comprises a portable pump. 
     
     
         126 . A kit, comprising:
 an over the needle catheter comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end of the over the needle catheter to the distal end of the over the needle catheter;   a cannula comprising a hub, a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, and at least a portion of the cannula configured to be arranged in the lumen of the over the needle catheter such that a distal end of the cannula extends past the distal end of the over the needle catheter, wherein the cannula comprises a material that is echogenic and configured to be seen by an external imaging device,   wherein at least a portion of the cannula is arranged within the lumen of the over the needle catheter such that a distal end of the cannula extends past the distal end of the over the needle catheter,   wherein the cannula and the over the needle catheter are configured to be inserted into a patient substantially simultaneously, and   wherein at least a portion of the over the needle catheter is configured to remain in the patient when the cannula is removed from the over the needle catheter and the over the needle catheter is configured to receive the anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or a prolonged nerve block;   a portable pump configured to be fluidically coupled to the over the needle catheter and provide an anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or a prolonged nerve block to one or more nerves of a patient; and   instructions for use.