First Robotic Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks in Humans Using the Magellan System

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are becoming a standard of modern anesthesia. We developed a robotic system, Magellan, to perform nerve blocks using a remote control center. METHODS: Thirteen patients were enrolled in this pilot study. The Magellan system consists of 3 main components: a joystick, a robotic arm, and a software control system. The joystick allows simulation of wrist or arm movements of the proceduralist. After localization of the sciatic nerve, 35 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% was injected. The success rate of sciatic nerve blocks and block performance times (performance time = interval of time from the start of the ultrasound search for the :nerve to the end of the injection of the drug; robotic time = interval of time from the identification of the nerve to the end of the injection of the drug) were determined. Data are presented as median (25th, 75th; minimal, maximal) and categorical data. RESULTS: Eight men and 5 women aged 34 years were included in this study. Nerve blocks were successful in all patients. A successful attempt was defined as the introduction of the needle into the nerve sheath; motor or sensory block was not used to determine the success rate. The nerve performance time was 189 seconds (150, 233; 90, 305), whereas the robotic time was 164 seconds (121, 210; 73, 271). CONCLUSIONS: We present the first human testing of a robotic ultrasound-guided nerve block system. The success rate was 100%. The total performance time was approximately 3 minutes to 4 minutes. (Anesth Analg 2013;116:491-4)