Accuro Neuraxial Guidance Resources

Whether you’ve recently purchased an Accuro or are seeking a better understanding of its functionality, you’re in the right place.

QUICK TIPS AND ACTIONABLE ADVICE!

  1. Expect the learning curve to span 5 to 10 procedures.
  2. Start learning with healthy subjects/normal BMI first.
  3. The needle insertion trajectory mirrors the scanning angle.
  4. Scan with slow micro-movements to allow the AI to interpret the ultrasound image as concisely as possible.
  5. Hold Accuro near the transducer while anchoring hand to the patient’s back with the other hand under Accuro for support.

Small adjustments in angle or position can cause significant changes in the image. For best results, employ an over- or under-hand technique as shown and use slow, deliberate “micro-movements” while scanning with Accuro.

Must-See Training Videos

Scouting Technique

Learn how to conduct spinals and epidurals using Accuro Neuraxial Guidance with Dr. Antonio Gonzalez, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine, as your guide. In this tutorial on scouting techniques, Dr. Gonzalez will walk you through the setup process for the Accuro, identifying midline, spinous process, interlaminar space, and depth estimates, as well as marking the skin with the Accuro Locator Needle Guide.

Sterile Technique

Dr. Antonio Gonzalez, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine, guides you through the setup process with the Accuro Locator and sterile sleeve, as well as identifying midline, spinous process, interlaminar space, and depth estimates. He demonstrates marking the skin with the Accuro Locator Needle Guide. Employing sterile technique reduces patient movement between marking and performing spinal or epidural procedures. Sterile technique is mandatory in the operating room or for re-scanning after initial needle placement.

Principles of Operation

This tutorial comprehensively covers setup to marking the skin, detailing the Accuro holding technique for midline and interlaminar space identification. See how the ultrasound scan plane intersects spinous processes and interlaminar spaces, offering graphical indicators for easy identification. Finally, the tutorial concludes with a summary of each overlay, featuring callouts to quickly recall Accuro’s beneficial features.

Locator Needle Guide

In this concise tutorial, we demonstrate how to apply the Accuro Locator before scanning. The video ensures you can see how easy it is to apply and identify the correct orientation of the locator.

Accuro Use Cases: From Challenge to Triumph.

Patients with above-normal BMI face a higher risk of epidural failure due to less apparent spinal bony structures. Additionally, those with atypical spinal conditions, such as scoliosis or prior surgeries, also face significant risk. Learn how Accuro delivers results for patients with challenging anatomy.

Morbid Obesity: 160 kg and BMI of 60

Dr. Launius highlighted that Accuro provided crucial data; he swiftly achieved loss of resistance and successfully placed the epidural catheter on the first attempt.

Spinal Hardware & Significant Compression

Stephen Garber, MD, an Anesthesiologist at Saddleback Medical Center, used Accuro to facilitate midline and intervertebral space detection for a successful epidural placement during L&D.

Scoliosis with Significant Intravertebral Rotation

Brandon Togioka, MD, Associate Professor at Oregon Health & Science University and Vice Chair of Clinical Research for Anesthesiology @ OHSU, explains.

Additional Resources

Accuro Quick Start Guide

This is your go-to for quick orientation, from powering up your Accuro to understanding the graphical indicators.

TRUE-VIEW Training Models

Try this true-to-form reconstruction of the spinal canal for image-guided neuraxial anesthesia training.