This is a randomized study which will compare three femoral nerve catheter insertion techniques. Subjects will be randomized into one of thee groups, Group 1: ultrasound guided femoral nerve catheter using a stimulation needle and stimulating catheter, .Group 2: ultrasound guided femoral nerve catheter using a stimulation needle, but non-stimulating catheter, or Group 3: ultrasound guided femoral nerve block without stimulation.
Primary Outcome Measures:
- determine optimal technique for ultrasound guided placement of nerve catheters [ Time Frame: 4 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Secondary Outcome Measures:
- pain assessment post operative as compared to nerve block technique [ Time Frame: 4 years ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
| Estimated Enrollment: |
420 |
| Study Start Date: |
July 2009 |
| Estimated Study Completion Date: |
May 2014 |
| Estimated Primary Completion Date: |
May 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure) |
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stimulation needle and stimulating catheter: Active Comparator
ultrasound guided femoral nerve catheter using a stimulation needle and a stimulating catheter
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Procedure: stimulation needle and stimulating catheter
ultrasound guided femoral nerve catheter using a stimulation needle and stimulating catheter
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nerve catheter with stimulating needle: Active Comparator
ultrasound guided femoral nerve catheter using a stimulation needle but non stimulating catheter
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Procedure: nerve catheter with stimulating needle
Ultrasound guided femoral nerve catheter using a stimulation needle, but non-stimulating catheter
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femoral nerve block without stimulation: Active Comparator
ultrasound guided femoral nerve block without stimulation
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Procedure: guided femoral nerve block without stimulation
ultrasound guided femoral nerve block without stimulation.
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This is a randomized study which will compare three femoral nerve catheter insertion techniques. Subjects will be randomized into one of thee groups, Group 1: ultrasound guided femoral nerve catheter using a stimulation needle and stimulating catheter, .Group 2: ultrasound guided femoral nerve catheter using a stimulation needle, but non-stimulating catheter, or Group 3: ultrasound guided femoral nerve block without stimulation.
- Pain Scores after surgery with be measured using the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). Subjects will be asked to rate their pain on a scale of 1-10.
- Block Performance time is the time from starting the block (after prepping and draping) until catheter is placed.
- Opioid requirements will be measured as the total amount of opioids (converted to morphine sulfate equivalents) used both during surgery, and during the first 48 hours after surgery.
- Block failure rate will be calculated as the rate of cases that requires repeating the block after surgery.