REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA Comparison of success rates, learning curves, and inter-subject performance variability of robot-assisted and manual ultrasound-guided nerve block needle guidance in simulation

Editor’s key points † A novel robot assistance nerve block system has been recently developed and tested in patients. † This study investigated the role of this system in training in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks. † The robot system reduced inter-subject variability, with faster learning of needle placement than manual techniques. † This new approach to regional anaesthesia training may increase learning rates; it needs further evaluation. Background. This study focuses on a recently developed robotic nerve block system and its impact on learning regional anaesthesia skills. We compared success rates, learning curves, performance times, and inter-subject performance variability of robot-assisted vs manual ultrasound (US)-guided nerve block needle guidance. The hypothesis of this study is that robot assistance will result in faster skill acquisition than manual needle guidance.