Anchoring Nerve Block Catheter

An anchoring nerve block catheter system comprising:

• (A) a dual-sheath catheter comprising an inner sheath and an outer sheath, wherein the catheter and sheaths have proximate and distal ends, wherein distal ends of the sheaths are connected, the inner sheath defines a fluid delivery lumen, and the outer sheath comprises a tissue lock movable between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein the tissue lock forms a reversible tissue anchor when in the extended position, and
• (B) an actuator connected to the proximate end of the catheter and configured to activate the tissue lock by sliding the outer sheath length-wise relative to the inner sheath,
• wherein the anchoring nerve block catheter system comprises a further improvement selected from:
• (i) the catheter is configured, when deployed in tissue with the tissue anchor activated, to apply a radial force to the tissue and therefore resist axial movement from an axial force of at least 200;
• (ii) a coil configured to:
• (a) provide echogenicity, wherein the coil is embedded in the inner sheath;
• (b) provide a bidirectional antenna configured to deliver electrical energy to a nerve and to transmit internal electricity from nerve electrical activities;
• or (c) improve anti-kinking of the catheter in locations prone to kinking, wherein the coil has varied wraps per inch length-wise or varied thickness along the length of the coil;
• (iii) the durometer or thickness of a wall of the catheter is varied to improve anti-kinking;
• (iv) (a) a coating on the tissue lock of a tissue ingrowth inhibitor substance sufficient to inhibit tissue ingrowth;
• (b) an anti-bacterial coating on the tissue lock;
• or (c) a covering over the tissue lock configured to inhibit tissue ingrowth and prevent backflow of anesthetic past the tissue lock between the tissue and the outer diameter of the outer sheath;
• (v) the inner sheath is configured to reduce or block fluid from leaking through the tissue lock when in the extended position, or wherein the inner sheath comprises one or more exit ports at the location of the tissue lock to allow multiple exit points for fluid;
• (vi) one or more protrusions at a skin entry point along the outer sheath configured to prevent backflow leakage of anesthetic;
• (vii) the tissue lock comprises living hinges strengthening the tissue lock when in the extended position;
• (viii) a weak point in the tissue lock promoting collapse of the tissue lock above an axial force or upon accidental removal of the catheter without deactivating the tissue lock;
• (ix) the actuator is a squeeze-type bi-stable mechanism configured such that when squeezed after implantation, it deactivates, thus preventing removal without deactivation;
• or wherein the catheter further comprises a deactivation mechanism that is separate from the actuator;
• (x) a lip or edge on the distal end of the catheter that forms over a lip or edge of a needle inserted through the inner sheath and is operative to avoid deploying the anchor during insertion;
• (xi) a fiberoptic camera or lens positioned through the catheter configured to directly visualize a nerve or bolus post-block to ensure correct placement, or configured to detect the nerve;
• (xii) an echogenic treatment on the catheter distal end or tissue lock configured to improve echogenicity of the distal end or tissue lock.