Whether it is a minor orthopaedic or surgical procedure, it is often sufficient to anaesthetize only a limited area of the body. However, precise placement of the catheter is crucial for these so-called local or regional anesthetics. Until now, this has only been possible with a great deal of experience, an increased dose of anesthetic or additional X-ray technology – all of which have disadvantages for patients. A new project at the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers at Hof University of Applied Sciences (ibp) now aims to change this.
Image: Hof University of Applied Sciences;
As part of a project funded by the Bavarian Research Foundation (BFS), an ultrasound-visible catheter tube is being developed together with ALPO Medizintechnik GmbH and the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers at Hof University of Applied Sciences (ibp). The Hochfranken clinics are supporting the project with medical expertise and a modern ultrasound device.
The highlight: by specifically adjusting the so-called sound characteristic impedance – the measure of how strongly ultrasound waves refract at interfaces between materials – the catheter becomes clearly visible on the ultrasound image.
This makes the otherwise invisible plastic tube detectable, without any side effects from contrast agents or X-rays.”
Franziska Bauer, research associate at ibp;
Pig’s back as a test object
Artificial tissue models such as ballistic gelatine or phantom tissue were initially used for the first tests. However, it quickly became apparent that these materials lead to interference effects in the ultrasound image. The research team found the solution in the back of a pig:
Real muscle tissue offers realistic conditions and allows a valid assessment of visibility. Here, the new catheter was able to prove its ultrasound suitability – a decisive step on the way to approval.”
Franziska Bauer
Prospects for everyday medical practice
For medical approval, the developed tube must successfully pass various tests and assessments, including safety, performance and clinical evaluation. As soon as the catheter has cleared the final hurdles for medical approval, nothing stands in the way of its use in everyday clinical practice. The advantages are obvious: less anesthetic, fewer side effects, no radiation exposure – and a noticeable relief for medical staff.
