The clinicians in the Regional Anesthesia Program are currently working on a number of research projects, including:
Fascia Iliaca block in patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery. This study aims to evaluate how well this particular type of block works in patients who get hip surgery by way of small scopes.
Ropivacaine pharmacokinetic study in infants. This study looks at our infant patients who receive a special type of chest block called a paravertebral. It is a research protocol that will help us uncover how the local anesthetic given behaves in their bodies.
Paravertebral versus erector spinae blocks for thoracic procedures. This study seeks to compare the difference between various regional anesthetic approaches.
We are also developing and expanding our program in the following ways:
We are currently working on developing a mobile app-based follow-up system that will allow patients to log their postoperative experiences with regional anesthetics. Patients and their families will be able to access this app through any device. They will also be able to message their care team about any issues and have a member of the Regional Anesthesia Program contact them for help.
The regional anesthesia specialists at Boston Children's hospital are developing an ambulatory home catheter program that will allow patients to have their regional anesthetic continued at home for several days. This would ultimately result in improved pain control when patients leave the hospital by reducing the amount of pain medications and improving their overall recovery.
