Magellan: Technical Description of a New System for Robot-Assisted Nerve Blocks

Abstract

Nerve blocks are common procedures used to remove sensation from a specific region of the body via injection of local anesthetic. Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are common-place in anesthesia, but require specialized training and advanced bi-manual dexterity. This paper describes a system designed to robotically assist in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks. Robot-assisted nerve blocks could allow for more precise needle placement, and therefore a higher efficacy of blocks. This system is the first step in developing a completely automated nerve block system, which would also require the incorporation of ultrasound image recognition of nerves and other physiological markers.