Medical device giants join forces on regional anaesthetics

Two of the sector’s biggest names - B. Braun and Philips - have announced plans to work together on ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (a rapidly growing alternative to general anaesthesia) and vascular access. 

New products to be developed under the collaboration are intended to enhance needle visualisation and guidance, as well as optimise procedure workflow and resource planning, according to a statement from the firms. The alliance will also focus on vascular access procedures, such as those used to insert catheters into deeply seated veins as part of a catheter-based treatment.

To implement the new products, Philips and B. Braun are also launching the new Xperius ultrasound system, which will be available in a cart and tablet version. Xperius was designed to support the needs of regional anaesthesia at the point of care.

The two companies say they will offer education, training, service and support to anaesthetist and healthcare providers using the system.

Regional anaesthesia or analgesia involves the injection of an anesthetic in the proximity of a nerve, targeting areas of a patient’s body that are subject to surgical intervention.

Regional anaesthesia can have significant advantages over general anaesthesia for both patients and hospitals. Patients undergoing regional anaesthesia typically benefit from reduced opioid consumption and fewer side-effects, such as nausea. Moreover, regional anaesthesia may lead to faster post-surgical recovery, allowing patients to ambulate or leave the hospital sooner, which benefits both patients and hospitals.

However, regional anaesthesia and especially peripheral nerve blocks are not easy to perform. Maximising anesthetic effectiveness and preventing damage to the targeted nerve or other tissue structures depends on the accurate placement of the needle tip through which the anesthetic will be injected or a catheter will be placed. Hence, there is a need for systems that improve the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of regional anaesthesia procedures.

“Our customers are looking for fully integrated system solutions that address all aspects of their everyday work in caring for patients, including the enhanced efficiency needed to meet ever-increasing demand for their services,” said Dr. Meinrad Lugan, member of the board for the Hospital Care Division at B. Braun. “This new alliance with Philips illustrates our commitment to sharing expertise, not only with our customers, but also with other key technology players, to meet healthcare needs and challenges faced today and into the future.”

“Philips and B. Braun have a worldwide reputation for clinical innovations and a shared commitment to work with patients and care providers to optimise healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes,” said Rob Cascella, chief business leader of the Diagnosis & Treatment Businesses at Philips.

“By partnering with B. Braun, we have created a solution for ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia comprising the Xperius ultrasound system, decision support software, echogenic needles, and a suite of services. We look forward to jointly developing further innovations. This new alliance is a great example of our commitment to partnering with industry leaders with complementary skills to increase our footprint in the therapy market.”

The Xperius platform will be co-branded and sold via B. Braun’s global sales network, with Philips providing installation and service.