approach.
We recently starting using kink-resistant catheters, which are spring-
wound to prevent kinking. They help ensure the catheter doesn't fail dur-
ing treatment.
6 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 1 6
Training anesthesia providers on continuous
nerve blocks can be difficult. Students can't see
what you're seeing, which makes explaining
how to place the block difficult. But a new
high-tech solution may make education a
breeze in the future.
Google Glass — or glasses featuring an inte-
grated video camera and computer chip
installed — uses a high-definition video camera to capture the point of view of the user. The
provider can perform the block wearing the glasses, giving students a
close-up view of exactly what needs to occur for a successful placement.
Not only could the Glass be used for students, but it can also help other
anesthesia experts who may need consulting during tricky cases.
I'm currently part of the explorer program that's looking at its use for
telemedicine, and so far we've received a lot of positive feedback
from students and providers alike. Google Glass is still in its
first generation of development, though, so it may be
some time before it becomes the standard. To see a
demonstration of the technology in action, visit
blockjocks.com/fiaY.
— Brandon Winchester, MD
GOOGLE GLASS
The Future of Regional Anesthesia
• BETTER VIEWS Using Google Glass, Brandon Winchester,
MD, (left) is able to show anesthesia students exactly what he
sees while placing nerve blocks.
Brandon
Winchester,
MD
