Abstract: The current document is directed to usable-length-selectable catheters that employ usable-length-selectable catheters to treat malformations, constrictions, obstructions, lesions, and blockages within patients' blood vessels. The usable length of the shaft of a usable-length-selectable catheter, to which the current application is directed, can be adjusted over a set of lengths prior to and during medical procedures.

Abstract: A needle-mounted balloon system can include a cannula and a stylet. The cannula may include a handle and an outer sheath, and the outer sheath may be configured to retract and expose at least a portion of an expandable member. The stylet may include a stylet needle and a sharp distal tip portion. The stylet needle may be used to insert the system into a body structure, after which the stylet may be disengaged from the cannula. The expandable member may then be exposed and inflated to create a space in the body structure. Filler material may be injected through the cannula to the open space in an effort to stabilize an injured or otherwise destabilized portion of the body structure.

Abstract: A device is provided for supplying electrical current to an intervertebral disc. The device comprises a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The distal end comprises a beveled tip for contacting a region of the intervertebral disc, and an electrode disposed within or on a surface of the cannula adjacent to the distal end. The electrode is configured to discharge electrical current to the region of the intervertebral disc. Methods of diagnosing and/or treating discogenic back pain are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a local anesthetic delivery device for delivering anesthetic to a nerve block site comprising a surgical mechanism for establishing a reference plane for identifying the nerve block site, wherein the surgical mechanism establishes the reference plane at the peritoneum and uses a known fixed distance to the nerve plane above to accurately locate the nerve block site and deliver anesthesia.

Abstract: A tumescent composition comprising a chemotherapy agent in a tumescent solution, wherein a tumescent concentration of the chemotherapy agent is simultaneously below a threshold for local, subcutaneous tissue toxicity, above a threshold for positive local therapeutic effect, and above a concentration safely achievable by intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) or oral (PO) delivery; and the tumescent solution comprises a vasoconstrictor; a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and optionally a local anesthetic.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft and a probe that extends distally from a distal end of the shaft. The probe includes a distal tip configured to puncture a tissue surface to enter a nerve canal of a patient, and an ablation element operable to ablate a nerve located within the nerve canal. The surgical instrument further includes a stop element arranged proximally of the distal tip. The stop element is configured to abut the tissue surface punctured by the distal tip. In some examples, the ablation element may be in the form of an RF electrode operable to ablate the nerve with RF energy. The surgical instrument may further include a navigation sensor operable to generate a signal corresponding to a location of the probe within the patient.

Abstract: A drug injection device is disclosed.

Abstract: A femoral arterial ECMO cannula is provided with a balloon that has dual flow and which provides arterial body blood flow during femoral ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation).

Abstract: A needle-mounted balloon system can include a cannula and a stylet. The cannula may include a handle and an outer sheath, and the outer sheath may be configured to retract and expose at least a portion of an expandable member. The stylet may include a stylet needle and a sharp distal tip portion. The stylet needle may be used to insert the system into a body structure, after which the stylet may be disengaged from the cannula. The expandable member may then be exposed and inflated to create a space in the body structure. Filler material may be injected through the cannula to the open space in an effort to stabilize an injured or otherwise destabilized portion of the body structure.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining a prognosis of a test patient following or during a surgical procedure. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods comprise forming a test data vector characterizing concurrent measures of mean arterial pressure (MAP), bispectral index (BIS), and standard minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of the test patient from sequential time intervals during the surgical procedure. A K-means clustering procedure is performed on the test data vector and a plurality of reference data vectors characterizing concurrent MAP, BIS, and MAC measures for sequential time intervals during surgical procedures from reference patients with known clinical outcome. A prognosis of one or more post-surgical outcomes of the test patient is determined based on the known surgical outcome of reference patients in the cluster including the test data vector.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an over-the-needle (OTN) catheter assembly having a structural member configured therein. The OTN catheter assembly includes a catheter coaxially mounted onto a needle. In one embodiment, the structural member includes a coil insert that is embedded into an interior wall of the catheter, thereby preventing kinking of the catheter when being inserted within a patient. In another embodiment, the structural member may be a separate and removable coil insert that is inserted into the catheter after the OTN catheter assembly has been placed in a targeted site within the patient and the needle is removed. In a further embodiment, the structural member may be a separate and removable solid insert having a blunt distal end that is inserted into the catheter after the OTN catheter assembly has been placed in a targeted site within the patient and the needle is removed.

Abstract: A catheter hub assembly. The catheter hub assembly includes a catheter hub body, a septum and a septum retainer, the catheter hub body having a distal end, a proximal and an internal wall defining an internal fluid passageway therebetween, the internal wall defining a transitional step within the internal fluid passageway, the septum positioned within the internal fluid passageway such that a distal end of the septum abuts up against the transitional step, the septum retainer at least partially receivable within the internal fluid passageway and having an outer wall shaped and sized to interlock with the inner wall of the catheter hub body, the outer wall including one or more lateral ribs configured to inhibit rotation of the septum retainer relative to the catheter hub body.

Abstract: A method for treating back pain in a patient in need of such treatment is provided. The method includes positioning a balloon catheter in or adjacent to a treatment zone containing a basivertebral nerve. A chemical denervation agent is administered with the balloon catheter such that the chemical denervation agent chemically ablates at least a portion of the basivertebral nerve. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for creating space within a body structure for therapeutic purposes include an expandable member disposed on the distal end portion of a catheter. Such devices and methods can be used, for example, for creating space within bone, and for injecting a filler material such as cement into the space to strengthen, repair, or otherwise enhance the bone structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing analgesia in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the subject an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl 1, buprenorphine, and sufentanil, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the ?-conopeptide retains its potency and is physically and chemically compatible with the analgesic compound. A preferred route of administration is intrathecal administration, particularly continuous intrathecal infusion. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, an antioxidant, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil.

Abstract: A method of alleviating central nervous system-mediated pain includes applying salmon thrombin at a neural injury site. Applying salmon thrombin can include applying a gel that includes salmon thrombin. The gel can also include fibrinogen, for example, salmon fibrinogen, human fibrinogen, or bovine fibrinogen. The salmon thrombin can be obtained from salmon plasma, or using recombinant technology, or by fractionation. A pain relief substance includes a gel that includes salmon thrombin.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing pain in a subject in need of such pain reduction by delivering, e.g., intrathecally or epidurally, a volatile anesthetic dissolved in a solution comprising an extractive solvent, e.g., DMSO or NMP, in an amount effective to reduce pain. Chronic or acute pain may be treated, or the anesthetic may be delivered as a regional anesthesia to a subject to anesthetize a portion the subject prior to a surgery, hi certain embodiments, isoflurane, halothane, enflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, methoxyflurane, or mixtures thereof may be used. Dosing regimens including a one-time administration, continuous and/or periodic administration are contemplated.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying at least one agent to a target site, including: a rigid section configured for the passage of fluid therethrough, the rigid section having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion configured for communication with at least one fluid reservoir; a formable section attached to the distal end portion of the rigid section, the formable section configured to be shaped into a desired configuration, the formable section including at least a first lumen and a second lumen, the first lumen configured to receive fluid from the rigid section; and a malleable member positioned within the second lumen, wherein the malleable member is configured to assist in retaining the formable section in the desired configuration.

Abstract: Constrained fluid delivery devices are described that deliver fluid to an anatomical region of a mammal in a controlled release manner where the device comprises an elongate body defining a lumen throughout a portion thereof, a distal end interiorly positionable adjacent the anatomical region of the mammal and a proximal end in communication with an exterior of the mammal. The device also includes a delivery member and one or more withdrawal members. Also provided herein are methods and kits incorporating the fluid delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for moving a tooth to a desired position within a patient's mouth using orthodontics including perforating tissue in the oral cavity sufficient to induce an inflammatory response. The perforations may be made in any area of the maxilla or mandible, and any number of perforations may be made that are preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm diameter, and preferably 1 to 3 mm deep. The invention also provides a device that may be used in conjunction with slow-speed rotary instruments or with manual drivers for providing the perforations. The device has a drill that makes the perforations and a stop that prevents the drill from penetrating the jaw bone beyond a predetermined depth. The invention also provides a kit that supplies the professional with the necessary components in a sealed container to carry out the osteoperforations. The kit may include hand held and rotatory perforating devices, anesthetic, and a soft tissue punch.

Abstract: Deflation devices including a catheter having a proximal opening at a proximal end and a distal opening at a distal end, and a coring member disposed within the catheter are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the coring member comprises a handle disposed near the proximal end of the catheter, a cable, and a coring tip disposed near the distal end of the catheter. The distal end of the catheter can be configured to press against a wall of a balloon to create a substantially normalized surface of the balloon relative to a coring tip. A method for deflating and removing an implanted device, in accordance with another embodiment, can include pressing a distal end of a catheter against the wall of an inflated balloon of the device, and advancing the coring tip within the catheter beyond the distal end of the catheter and into the balloon.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

Abstract: Methods of providing sympathetic nerve blocks comprise inserting a portion of a catheter into a subject. A distal end of the catheter is positioned on a lateral side of at least one vertebra of a vertebral column of the subject proximate to a portion of a sympathetic nervous system of the subject. A medication is supplied through the catheter to effect a sympathetic nerve block in the subject. Methods of alleviating pain in lower extremities of subjects comprise inserting a portion of a catheter into a subject and supplying a medication through the catheter. Catheters and catheter assemblies may be used in administering such sympathetic nerve blocks. Catheters and catheter assemblies may be used in administering medication to one or more of a peripheral nervous system of a subject and a spinal cord of a subject.

Abstract: A syringe fill system is described, which is useful for filling syringes for dental anesthetic applications. The system incorporates capability for “push-pull”, “pull-push”, “push-push”, and “pull-pull” modes of operation, for loading syringes with compositions comprising multiple fluid components. A syringe fillable by such syringe fill systems is described, providing haptic and audible feedback to a user, to aid in administering precise amounts of therapeutic compositions. Also disclosed are cassette assemblies for use in such syringe fill systems. Such cassette assemblies may be formed of plastic and elastomeric materials of construction, as disposable or single-use components of the syringe fill system.

Abstract: A steroid delivery system including a mixing syringe having a first chamber and a second chamber and at least one hypodermic needle is provided. The first chamber of the mixing syringe contains a pre-measured volume of a local anesthetic and the second chamber contains a pre-measured volume of a corticosteroid. An improved mixing syringe and a method for treating pain using the steroid delivery system of the present invention is also provided herein. The improved syringe achieves mixing without the introduction or elimination of air and without puncturing or rupturing of a membrane, diaphragm or other material. The kit concept improves the speed of the procedure, sterility, accuracy of dosing, and immediate availability of disparate items to implement the procedure in a variety of medical practice settings.

Abstract: Disclosed are applicators and methods injecting of a liquid anesthetic into a dental patient with no or minimal pain. In accordance with one embodiment the applicator is for intraligamentary injection and includes an elongated, thin member having an open distal free formed of a resilient and somewhat conformable material suitable for producing a substantially fluid-tight interface with the anatomic structures at the gingival sulcus to inject the anesthetic therein. In another embodiment the applicator includes a flexible skirt surrounding a sharpened cannula, with the cannula being movable with respect to the skirt. The skirt is arranged to receive the anesthetic to anesthetize the gum, whereupon the cannula can then pierce the gum to inject the anesthetic into the underlying anatomic structure.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for reducing pain using a multi chamber pump to separately administer multiple drugs. For example, one chamber may contain an omega conopeptide, such as ziconotide, and the other chamber or chambers may contain one or more other drugs, which may include of morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, sufentanil, bupivacaine, baclofen, clonidine, and buprenorphine, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Other applications of the present invention include methods for treating severe chronic pain due to cancer, failed back syndrome, CRPS, neuropathic pain, mixed neuropathic and nociceptive pain.

Abstract: A fluid delivery catheter that uses micro-needles for fluid delivery though a vessel wall. The catheter may provide fluid delivery therapy for various procedures, such as, for example, delivery of tumescent fluid or renal denervation. The catheter includes an elongate member with deployable and retractable needles disposed about a distal end of the elongate member. The needles may be disposed radially about the distal end and/or along a length of the distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nerve block system comprising a nerve block needle and a curved introducer. Also disclosed are components of and methods of use of the nerve block system. The curved introducer of the nerve block system provides navigability and maintains column stiffness.

Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: This device is a compressible chamber designed to inject a liquid medication through a plurality of needles. It is a self-contained, rapidly deployed device that replaces a classic syringe. It consists of a shallow chamber that is closed on one end and sealed on the other with a sliding elastomeric seal. A rigid ring slides up into the chamber that has multiple small double-ended needles mounted through the periphery of the ring perpendicularly so as to be able to perforate the seal of the chamber with the proximal end and simultaneously penetrate the subcutaneous tissues with the distal end thus allowing medication to flow from the chamber into the tissues when pressure is applied to the top of the chamber. The needles are also imbedded in, or juxtapose to a ring of compressible dye-containing material that serves to conceal the needles and provide demarcation of the area injected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering medication. The method and apparatus includes providing a treatment tube having a wall with an exterior surface and a central lumen. The treatment tube also includes at least one hollow tubular channel disposed within the wall of the treatment tube. Medication is delivered supplied to the hollow tubular channel and delivered through the wall of the treatment tube to the exterior surface of the treatment tube.

Abstract: An infusion catheter assembly has the ability to infinitely titrate the length of a porous fluid distribution section in situ. The infusion catheter assembly thereby provides a length of infusion that can be infinitely varied over a prescribed range, to control the effective infusion length and the rate of infusion. Using the infusion catheter assembly, a physician has the capability to treat only the length of the vessel desired, thereby preventing excessive drug/patient exposures. The porous fluid distribution section can include an array of spaced apart apertures that vary in size and/or density along the length of the porous fluid distribution section, such that the flow rate remains essentially constant for a given inlet pressure independent of the effective infusion length.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a device having a base and a stimulation module that can be attached to a patient's skin and actuated to mask the pain caused when sharp objects penetrate the skin. The stimulation module is designed to generate vibration energy, or alternatively, is designed to generate both vibration and electrical energy.

Abstract: Systems (10), devices (16), and methods may be used for treating bladder dysfunction, such as urgency and pelvic pain. In one example, a method includes administering a pharmacological agent to a patient (14) in a dosage sufficient to desensitize a C-afferent nerve fiber of the patient. Additionally, the method includes delivering stimulation to activate a nerve fiber proximate to the C-afferent nerve fiber via an electrode (19A, 19B, 21A, 21B, 29A-29D) electrically coupled to an implantable medical device (16). In some examples, the nerve fiber may be different than the C-afferent nerve fiber, the stimulation of the nerve fiber may elicit an inhibitory physiological response related to voiding in the patient, and/or the stimulation substantially may not activate the C-afferent nerve fiber after desensitization of the nerve fiber via the administration of the pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A method of modulating a physiological parameter of a patient is provided. The method includes disabling one or more pre-aortic ganglion cells within a pre-aortic ganglion and improving the physiological parameter. The method further includes destroying a pre-aortic ganglion cell to prevent regeneration.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A medical device, comprising: an array of microneedles, and a coating disposed on the microneedles, wherein the coating comprises: a local anesthetic selected from the group consisting of lidocaine, prilocalne, and a combination thereof; and a local anesthetic dose-extending component selected from the group consisting of alpha 1 adrenergic agonists, alpha 2 adrenergic agonists, and a combination thereof; wherein the local anesthetic is present in an amount of at least 1 wt-% based upon total weight of solids in the coating, and wherein the dose-extending component/local anesthetic weight ratio is at least 0.

Abstract: A medical device, comprising: an array of microneedles, and a coating disposed on the microneedles, wherein the coating comprises: a local anesthetic selected from the group consisting of lidocaine, prilocaine, and a combination thereof; and a local anesthetic dose-extending component selected from the group consisting of tetracaine, ropivacaine, bupivacaine, procaine and a combination thereof; wherein the local anesthetic is present in an amount of at least 1 wt-% based upon total weight of solids in the coating, and wherein the local anesthetic and dose-extending component are in a non-eutectic weight ratio; a medical device, comprising an array of dissolvable microneedles, the microneedles comprising: a dissolvable matrix material; at least 1 wt-% of a local anesthetic selected from the group consisting of lidocaine, prilocaine, and a combination thereof; and a local anesthetic dose-extending component selected from the group consisting of tetracaine, ropivacaine, bupivacaine, procaine and a combination th

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying and spatially localizing tissues having certain physiological properties or producing certain biological responses, such as the sensation of pain, in response to the application of intense focused ultrasound (acoustic probing or palpation) are provided. In some embodiments, targeted acoustic probing is employed to identify the scope and severity of chronically painful sensitized tissue areas, and of chronic pain disorders. In other applications, targeted acoustic probing is used to localize nerves and other sensitized tissues for guidance of needles and other delivery devices, and for delivery of anesthetic, analgesic or therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.

Abstract: This device is a compressible chamber designed to inject a liquid medication through a plurality of needles. It is a self-contained, rapidly deployed device that replaces a classic syringe. It consists of a shallow chamber that is closed on one end and sealed on the other with a sliding elastomeric seal. A rigid ring slides up into the chamber that has multiple small double-ended needles mounted through the periphery of the ring perpendicularly so as to be able to perforate the seal of the chamber with the proximal end and simultaneously penetrate the subcutaneous tissues with the distal end thus allowing medication to flow from the chamber into the tissues when pressure is applied to the top of the chamber. The needles are also imbedded in, or juxtapose to a ring of compressible dye-containing material that serves to conceal the needles and provide demarcation of the area injected.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program for calibration of sensitivity of a subject to a drug. The subject is delivered with the drug at a delivery rate and a signal responsive to the drug is measured from the subject. When determining the sensitivity of the subject to the drug in question, a change in the delivery rate of the drug is initiated. The change in the delivery rate causes a small change in the signal responsive to the drug. The change in the measured signal caused by the drug delivery rate change is detected, and the sensitivity of the patient is determined.

Abstract: A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.

Abstract: An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections.

Abstract: A medical needle, kit, and pharmacological composition of matter comprising a local anesthetic pertaining to inserting a needle percutaneously in a patient is disclosed. A method is disclosed with the needle having a leading apex that is dulled to restrict penetration through articular cartilage, advancing the needle leading apex into a bone joint and stopping said needle leading apex short of substantially penetrating bone joint articular cartilage, and injecting through the needle lumen a pharmacological composition of matter comprising a local anesthetic and out of said opening and into the bone joint to contribute to the anesthetizing of nerves near said bone joint.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for selectively applying fluids (particularly anesthetics) to a target tissue from within a blood vessel while minimizing the amount of fluid applied to non-target tissue. The injection catheters described herein may include an elongate body, a directional injector, and one or more holdfasts for securing the catheter before extending the injector. The methods of selectively applying anesthetic to a target structure generally include the steps of inserting an injection catheter into a body vessel, positioning the injection catheter within the body vessel near the target structure, anchoring the injection catheter before extending a directional injector from the injection catheter, and applying anesthetic from the injection catheter to the target structure.

Abstract: A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.

Abstract: A control circuit that operably couples to a display and to a nerve block injection pressure sensor provides a display of both a current nerve block injection pressure value and a current nerve block injection pressure categorical range. That categorical range can comprise, for example, one of a plurality of available categorical ranges which may be visually differentiated from one another by color. The control circuit can also detect (and display) a maximum nerve block injection pressure value (and/or calculate a mean nerve block injection pressure value) as corresponds to a given monitored nerve block injection procedure. The control circuit can also detect negative nerve block injection pressure events and identify those events as aspiration events to facilitate keeping a count of aspiration events during the course of a given nerve block injection procedure. The control circuit can also help ensure observe of the proper patient laterality if desired.