Trial Outcomes & Findings for Comparison of 3 Techniques for Ultrasound-guided Femoral Nerve Catheter Insertion (NCT NCT00927368)

NCT ID: NCT00927368

Last Updated: 2017-05-31

Results Overview

Time weighted average of verbal response scale (VRS) pain score on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Verbal Response Scale (VRS) pain scores after surgery - which ranged from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum intolerable pain) - were assessed every 30 minutes in the recovery area and every 4 hours thereafter up to 48 hours postoperatively. These individual measurements were averaged for each patient using a time-weighted formula. (For a given patient, the observed VRS pain score profile as a function of time was linearly interpolated and integrated using the trapezoidal rule; then, the time-weighted average was calculated as the value of this integral divided by the total monitoring time of 48 hours.).

• Recruitment status: COMPLETED
• Study phase: NA
• Target enrollment: 453 participants
• Primary outcome timeframe: 48 hours after surgery
• Results posted on: 2017-05-31

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Measure	Ultrasound Guidance Alone The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used. ultrasound guidance alone: The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used.	Ultrasound Guidance Needle Stimulation For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation arm, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation: For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation.	Ultrasound Guidance+Catheter Stimulation For the ultrasound guidance and catheter stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA. At that point, the peripheral nerve stimulator was then disconnected from the stimulating needle and connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter was then advanced 5 cm past the needle tip. If the motor response disappeared during catheter advancement, the catheter was withdrawn slightly until the response returned. Needle orientation and catheter advancement were adjusted as necessary to elicit quadriceps contractions via the catheter with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA.
Overall Study STARTED	153	157	143
Overall Study COMPLETED	147	152	138
Overall Study NOT COMPLETED	6	5	5

Reasons for withdrawal

Measure	Ultrasound Guidance Alone The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used. ultrasound guidance alone: The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used.	Ultrasound Guidance Needle Stimulation For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation arm, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation: For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation.	Ultrasound Guidance+Catheter Stimulation For the ultrasound guidance and catheter stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA. At that point, the peripheral nerve stimulator was then disconnected from the stimulating needle and connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter was then advanced 5 cm past the needle tip. If the motor response disappeared during catheter advancement, the catheter was withdrawn slightly until the response returned. Needle orientation and catheter advancement were adjusted as necessary to elicit quadriceps contractions via the catheter with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA.
Overall Study enrollment in another study	1	1	2
Overall Study Lost to Follow-up	4	0	0
Overall Study equipment failure	1	0	0
Overall Study ineligible post randomization	0	3	1
Overall Study cancellation of surgery	0	1	2

Baseline Characteristics

Comparison of 3 Techniques for Ultrasound-guided Femoral Nerve Catheter Insertion

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Measure	Ultrasound Guidance Alone n=147 Participants The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used. ultrasound guidance alone: The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used.	Ultrasound Guidance Needle Stimulation n=152 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation arm, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation: For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation.	Ultrasound Guidance+Catheter Stimulation n=138 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and catheter stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA. At that point, the peripheral nerve stimulator was then disconnected from the stimulating needle and connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter was then advanced 5 cm past the needle tip. If the motor response disappeared during catheter advancement, the catheter was withdrawn slightly until the response returned. Needle orientation and catheter advancement were adjusted as necessary to elicit quadriceps contractions via the catheter with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA.	Total n=437 Participants Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous	62 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 9 • n=93 Participants	61 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 13 • n=4 Participants	63 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 9 • n=27 Participants	62 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10 • n=483 Participants
Sex: Female, Male Female	80 Participants n=93 Participants	80 Participants n=4 Participants	76 Participants n=27 Participants	236 Participants n=483 Participants
Sex: Female, Male Male	67 Participants n=93 Participants	72 Participants n=4 Participants	62 Participants n=27 Participants	201 Participants n=483 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 48 hours after surgery

Time weighted average of verbal response scale (VRS) pain score on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable).

Verbal Response Scale (VRS) pain scores after surgery - which ranged from 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximum intolerable pain) - were assessed every 30 minutes in the recovery area and every 4 hours thereafter up to 48 hours postoperatively. These individual measurements were averaged for each patient using a time-weighted formula. (For a given patient, the observed VRS pain score profile as a function of time was linearly interpolated and integrated using the trapezoidal rule; then, the time-weighted average was calculated as the value of this integral divided by the total monitoring time of 48 hours.).

Outcome measures

Measure	Ultrasound Guidance Alone n=147 Participants The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used. ultrasound guidance alone: The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used.	Ultrasound Guidance Needle Stimulation n=152 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation arm, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation: For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation.	Ultrasound Guidance+Catheter Stimulation n=138 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and catheter stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA. At that point, the peripheral nerve stimulator was then disconnected from the stimulating needle and connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter was then advanced 5 cm past the needle tip. If the motor response disappeared during catheter advancement, the catheter was withdrawn slightly until the response returned. Needle orientation and catheter advancement were adjusted as necessary to elicit quadriceps contractions via the catheter with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA.
Time Weighted Average Verbal Response Scale Pain Score	3.52 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.62	3.24 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.55	3.40 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.47

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 48 hours after surgery

cumulative opioid consumption, where all opioids were converted to IV morphine equivalents

Outcome measures

Measure	Ultrasound Guidance Alone n=147 Participants The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used. ultrasound guidance alone: The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used.	Ultrasound Guidance Needle Stimulation n=152 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation arm, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation: For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation.	Ultrasound Guidance+Catheter Stimulation n=138 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and catheter stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA. At that point, the peripheral nerve stimulator was then disconnected from the stimulating needle and connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter was then advanced 5 cm past the needle tip. If the motor response disappeared during catheter advancement, the catheter was withdrawn slightly until the response returned. Needle orientation and catheter advancement were adjusted as necessary to elicit quadriceps contractions via the catheter with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA.
Opioid Consumption	57 mg morphine equivalents Interval 40.0 to 81.0	58 mg morphine equivalents Interval 39.0 to 80.0	55 mg morphine equivalents Interval 38.0 to 85.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: time elapsed from beginning the block to catheter placement

Block performance time, defined as the time from block start until catheter placement.

Outcome measures

Measure	Ultrasound Guidance Alone n=147 Participants The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used. ultrasound guidance alone: The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used.	Ultrasound Guidance Needle Stimulation n=152 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation arm, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation: For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation.	Ultrasound Guidance+Catheter Stimulation n=138 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and catheter stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA. At that point, the peripheral nerve stimulator was then disconnected from the stimulating needle and connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter was then advanced 5 cm past the needle tip. If the motor response disappeared during catheter advancement, the catheter was withdrawn slightly until the response returned. Needle orientation and catheter advancement were adjusted as necessary to elicit quadriceps contractions via the catheter with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA.
Block Performance Time	110 seconds Interval 85.0 to 135.0	150 seconds Interval 126.0 to 175.0	177 seconds Interval 151.0 to 202.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: postoperative period when block is used

The incremental cost between strategies was calculated as the additional cost of one strategy to the next less costly strategy. There was no variance in the price because these prices were contracted with the hospital. The contracted price for a hospital does not change or fluctuate.

Outcome measures

Measure	Ultrasound Guidance Alone n=153 Participants The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used. ultrasound guidance alone: The Tuohy needle was inserted in out-plane approach. Needle placement was considered adequate when the tip was visualized beneath the fascia iliaca; the catheter was then introduced 5 cm beyond the needle tip. Electrical stimulation was not used.	Ultrasound Guidance Needle Stimulation n=157 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation arm, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation: For the ultrasound guidance and needle stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA (2 Hz, pulse width 0.1 msec). Subsequently, the catheter was threaded 5 cm beyond the needle tip without additional electrical stimulation.	Ultrasound Guidance+Catheter Stimulation n=143 Participants For the ultrasound guidance and catheter stimulation group, the Tuohy needle was positioned with the tip beneath the fascia iliaca under ultrasound guidance. The needle tip was then adjusted as necessary to obtain a quadriceps muscle response with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA. At that point, the peripheral nerve stimulator was then disconnected from the stimulating needle and connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter was then advanced 5 cm past the needle tip. If the motor response disappeared during catheter advancement, the catheter was withdrawn slightly until the response returned. Needle orientation and catheter advancement were adjusted as necessary to elicit quadriceps contractions via the catheter with a stimulating current ≤0.5 mA.
Incremental Cost of Femoral Nerve Blocks	14 dollars Standard Deviation 0	36 dollars Standard Deviation 0	50 dollars Standard Deviation 0

Adverse Events

Ultrasound Guidance Alone

Serious events: 0 serious events

Other events: 0 other events

Deaths: 0 deaths

Ultrasound Guidance Needle Stimulation

Serious events: 0 serious events

Other events: 0 other events

Deaths: 0 deaths

Ultrasound Guidance+Catheter Stimulation

Serious events: 0 serious events

Other events: 0 other events

Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Roberta Johnson

Cleveland Clinic

Phone: 216-444-9950

Email: johnsor13@ccf.org

Results disclosure agreements

• Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
• Publication restrictions are in place