Description
Contiplex® Tuohy Ultra 360 is an echogenic, stimulating catheter-through-needle system from B. Braun designed for continuous peripheral nerve blocks (cPNB) performed under dual guidance with both ultrasound and nerve stimulation. The set combines a Tuohy-bevel Contiplex Tuohy Ultra 360 cannula featuring a 360° echogenic X-pattern for improved ultrasound visibility, with a Contiplex ONE nerve block catheter. It incorporates a side port valve that enables simultaneous injection and aspiration without disconnecting, plus Perifix components (catheter connector, 0.2 µm filter and PinPad fixation device) and an Omnifix 5 ml syringe. The system is intended for continuous plexus and peripheral nerve block anesthesia or analgesia in adults, paediatrics and neonates, providing stable catheter placement and reliable visualization of both needle and catheter tip during regional anesthesia procedures.
Bnefits
- Echogenic 360° X-pattern on the Tuohy needle improves ultrasound visualization and facilitates precise tip identification, especially at steeper angles.
- Fully coated stimulating Tuohy needle supports dual guidance with nerve stimulation and ultrasound for safer, more accurate nerve localization.
- Catheter-through-needle design with threading assist guide simplifies catheter advancement and positioning at the target nerve.
- Side port valve allows simultaneous injection and aspiration without disconnecting lines, reducing procedural steps and maintaining sterility.
- Contiplex ONE catheter is optimized for ultrasound visibility, helping to confirm catheter course and tip position.
- Perifix 0.2 µm high-pressure-resistant filter supports safe continuous infusion and reduces the risk of particulate contamination.
- Perifix PinPad fixation device provides secure, comfortable catheter anchoring on the patient’s skin, reducing accidental dislodgement.
- Includes Omnifix 5 ml syringe and catheter labels, offering a ready-to-use set that saves time and standardizes continuous nerve block procedures.
- Approved for use across all age groups, including adults, paediatrics and neonates, with no gender or age-related limitations stated by the manufacturer.
- Designed for continuous peripheral nerve blocks to provide prolonged postoperative analgesia and improved patient comfort.
Indications
- Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (cPNB) for postoperative analgesia following orthopaedic and other surgical procedures.
- Continuous plexus blocks (e.g. brachial plexus, lumbar plexus) where prolonged regional anesthesia or analgesia is required.
- Regional anesthesia and pain therapy to target peripheral nerves under ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance.
- Use in adult, paediatric and neonatal patients requiring plexus or peripheral nerve block–based anesthesia or analgesia, with no age or gender restrictions specified.
Composition
- Contiplex® Tuohy Ultra 360® echogenic, insulated stimulating Tuohy needle (cannula) with 360° X-pattern and safety code markings for needle and tip position.
- Catheter-through-needle placement system with threading assist guide.
- Contiplex® ONE nerve block catheter designed for improved ultrasound visibility.
- Perifix® catheter connector ("click and ready" locking system).
- Perifix® 0.2 µm procedural filter with high pressure resistance (up to approximately 7 bar).
- Perifix® PinPad® self-adhesive catheter fixation device for securement on the patient.
- Side port valve assembly enabling simultaneous injection and aspiration via the needle.
- Omnifix® 5 ml syringe for priming and aspiration.
- Catheter labels (e.g. nerve block identification labels).
- All components supplied sterile and intended for single use only.
Packaging
- Supplied as a single sterile set configured for one continuous peripheral nerve block procedure.
- Packaged in a sealed sterile tray or blister containing the Tuohy Ultra 360 needle, Contiplex ONE catheter, Perifix connector and filter, Perifix PinPad, Omnifix 5 ml syringe, side port valve assembly and catheter labels.
- Medisave UK lists the product under SKU 4898705-01 within the Injection & Infusion / IV cannula and nerve block accessories category.
- Outer packaging clearly identifies the product name (Contiplex Tuohy Ultra 360), manufacturer (B. Braun), and usage as a continuous nerve block catheter-through-needle system.
Usage
- Verify the indication for continuous peripheral nerve block and obtain informed consent according to local clinical guidelines.
- Inspect the outer packaging and do not use the set if the sterile barrier is damaged, opened or past the expiry date.
- Prepare the patient and equipment for regional anesthesia, including appropriate monitoring, resuscitation equipment and ultrasound and nerve stimulator devices.
- Perform hand hygiene and use aseptic technique throughout the procedure; don appropriate sterile protective clothing and drape the puncture site.
- Open the Contiplex Tuohy Ultra 360 set onto a sterile field and familiarize yourself with the needle, catheter, side port valve, Perifix components, filter, PinPad and syringe.
- Connect the Tuohy Ultra 360 needle to the nerve stimulator and prime the system as required using the Omnifix syringe and side port valve, expelling air from the needle and catheter.
- Under ultrasound guidance, advance the echogenic Tuohy needle toward the target nerve or plexus, using both ultrasound visualization and nerve stimulation responses to refine positioning.
- Once optimal needle tip position is confirmed, aspirate via the side port to rule out intravascular placement; if clear, incrementally inject small test doses of local anesthetic while monitoring patient response.
- Thread the Contiplex ONE catheter through the needle using the threading assist guide until the desired depth past the needle tip is reached, confirming catheter position with ultrasound where feasible.
- Stabilize the catheter, withdraw the needle carefully while leaving the catheter in situ, and connect the catheter to the Perifix connector and 0.2 µm filter.
- Secure the catheter at the skin entry site using the self-adhesive Perifix PinPad and additional fixation devices or dressings according to local protocol.
- Label the catheter and infusion lines with the supplied nerve block labels and connect to the selected infusion pump or intermittent bolus system for continuous local anesthetic delivery.
- Monitor the patient closely for efficacy of the block, signs of local anesthetic systemic toxicity, nerve injury, infection or catheter-related complications.
- At the end of therapy, discontinue the infusion, remove dressings and PinPad, and gently withdraw the catheter; inspect to ensure the tip is intact and dispose of all components as clinical waste.
- Document the procedure, catheter type, insertion depth, drug regimen and any complications in the patient’s record.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity or allergy to any material contained in the device set (e.g. certain plastics, adhesives) or to local anesthetic agents intended for use.
- Patients in whom regional anesthesia or peripheral nerve blocks are contraindicated (e.g. patient refusal, severe coagulopathy, local infection at puncture site, certain pre-existing neurological deficits) according to institutional guidelines.
- Do not use for intrathecal, epidural or intravascular injection unless specifically indicated by device labelling; the set is designed for peripheral nerve block use.
- Do not use if the sterile packaging is damaged, opened or past its expiry date, or if any component appears defective.
- Use with caution or avoid in patients where prolonged nerve block may mask compartment syndrome or other evolving pathologies, following local risk–benefit assessment.
Adverse Effects
- Potential complications related to continuous peripheral nerve block techniques, including nerve injury, paraesthesia, hematoma or bleeding at the puncture site.
- Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) if local anesthetic is inadvertently injected intravascularly or administered in excessive doses.
- Catheter-related infections at the insertion site or along the catheter track, particularly with prolonged dwell time or inadequate aseptic technique.
- Catheter dislodgement or kinking leading to inadequate analgesia or block failure.
- Allergic or contact reactions to adhesive fixation devices (such as the Perifix PinPad) or other materials in the set in susceptible individuals.
- General risks associated with regional anesthesia, such as incomplete block, block spread to unintended nerves or transient motor weakness.
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat or moisture.
- Keep in the original packaging until point of use to maintain sterility and protect components from mechanical damage.
- Avoid crushing, bending or heavy stacking that could compromise the sterile barrier or deform the needle or catheter.
- Observe the manufacturer’s labelled expiry date and follow institutional stock rotation policies (first-expiry, first-out).
Duration
Intended for a single continuous peripheral nerve block episode; catheter dwell time is determined by clinical judgement and local protocols, typically ranging from several hours to a few days for postoperative analgesia. The set and its components are single-use and must not be resterilized or reused.
Onset
Onset of regional anesthesia and analgesia is governed by the local anesthetic agent and dosing regimen delivered through the system; the device itself enables immediate initiation of a continuous peripheral nerve block once the catheter has been placed and connected.
