Update on continuous peripheral nerve blocks

Abstract

Continuous peripheral nerve block (cPNB) refers to the use of a percutaneously inserted catheter with its tip adjacent to a target peripheral nerve or plexus, through which local anaesthetic can be administered to enable a prolonged period of titratable perineural blockade. cPNB has an attractive safety and efficacy profile, and can be extremely useful for managing various types of pain. However, careful consideration should be given to patient and surgical factors, the expertise of the attending anaesthesiologist and systems available for follow-up after initiation of the cPNB.