Prospective Evaluation of Interscalene Nerve Catheters vs. Single Injection Blocks

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1-3
• 18-79 years of age, inclusive
• body mass index of < 36 kg/m2.
• The ability to understand local anesthetic related complications and care of a CPNB
• Presence of a caretaker with them during the first 24 hours of local anesthetic infusion, and on a daily basis.
• The ability to communicate with the practitioner managing the catheter.
• Residence within 2 hours of University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any contraindication to a continuous interscalene catheter placement
• Clinically significant pulmonary disease
• Clinically significant cardiac disease
• Allergy to ropivacaine
• Peripheral or central nervous system disease
• Current (or planned) anticoagulation therapy or disease
• Local infection over area of catheter placement
• Renal or hepatic failure
• History of opioid dependence
• Significant psychiatric disease
• Pregnancy or lactation (Subjects will be asked if it is possible they could be pregnant. If a subject responds in the affirmative, a pregnancy test will be done.)
• Seizure Disorder