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Ambulatory Nerve Catheter Program
We are able to offer patients undergoing upper and lower extremity surgery that meets certain criteria a ‘home’ nerve catheter to extend analgesia for a minimum of 48 hours after discharge.
Patient criteria:
• Need to stay within a 3h driving distance from the Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Centre.
• Patients staying in a hotel are NOT candidates, but ok if they stay with family or friends.
• Needs to be able to follow instructions re troubleshooting and removal of nerve catheter.
• Need to have family/friend staying with them while catheter is insitu.
• Willing to bear responsibility for managing the nerve catheter.
Process in POP clinic:
• This option is mentioned to patients meeting above criteria in the pre-assessment clinic when obtaining verbal consent for a peripheral nerve block.
• The patient guide contains information re this method of extending analgesia.
Process on day of surgery:
• The attending anesthesiologist on the day review this option with the patient prior to administering any sedation.
• Bolus nerve catheter as usual in block area (no need to start infusion before end of surgery).
• Fill ‘baby bottle’ (see instructions in block area re. dilution) and attach to nerve catheter in either PACU or SDA
• Complete the progress note (form kept at the block room computer) to enable follow up and leave in block area at computer. Make sure we have a contact number where we can actually reach the patient or family; their home number is no help if they will stay elsewhere !
Follow up of patients with a home nerve catheter:
• Daily phone calls as long as catheter is in situ (including day of removal).
• Patients will be provided with APS on call pager number - this will be their contact in case of any concerns/questions
• Complete the progress note and leave in block area or email to Eri.
