Nerve Block/Pain Relief Manikin

Skills

The Regional Anaesthesia Simulation Manikin has been designed by a Consultant Anaesthetist at the Manchester and Salford Pain Centre for training anaesthetists in correct needle placement in Nerve Blocks for pain management.

• Knowledge of surface anatomy applied to the individual nerve blocks
• Orientation of image and identification of appropriate radiographic landmarks
• Identification point of needle insertion and angle of direction
• Recognition of contact with deep bony structures
• Principle of withdrawing and directing needle to alter the angle
• The end point of simulation is the correct radiographic appearance
• Accurate needle placement is required to guarantee the efficacy of many diagnostic pain clinic blocks and is mandatory when neurolytic solutions are used. Radiological screening to confirm needle placement should be routine and training for this needs to be practical
• Attempts at regional anaesthesia by trainees who are not familiar with the techniques may result in uncomfortable and prolonged procedures for patients

The Manikin can be used to teach the following Nerve Blocks:

• Trigeminal ganglion block or radiofrequency needle placement
• Cervical facet joint injection
• Epidural injections at all spinal levels
• Lumbar sympathetic block, splancnic, coeliac and superior hypogastric nerve blocks
• Lumbar facet joint injection and radio frequency denervation of posterior primary ramus
• Sacroiliac joint injection