On-Q Catheter

What is an On-Q Catheter?

An On-Q catheter is part of the On-Q Pain Relief System - a small, disposable elastomeric (balloon-type) pump connected to a catheter placed by your surgeon near the surgical site or a nerve to manage pain after surgery. It delivers a continuous, slow infusion of local anesthetic directly to the area to block pain, offering a non-opioid alternative for postoperative pain control. It is commonly referred to as an On-Q Pain Pump or On-Q Pain Management System, manufactured by Avanos Medical.

What are the Indications for the On-Q Catheter?

Common indications for the On-Q catheter include:

• Postoperative pain relief after orthopedic surgeries (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder)
• Abdominal surgeries (e.g., hernia repair, C-section, hysterectomy)
• Thoracic surgeries (e.g., thoracotomy, breast surgery)
• Head and neck procedures
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeries
• Peripheral nerve blocks for regional anesthesia
• Part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to reduce opioid use

What Does the Procedure for On-Q Catheter Involve?

The On-Q catheter placement is a simple procedure typically performed at the end of surgery. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:

• The surgeon or anesthesiologist prepares the surgical area using sterile technique.
• A local anesthetic may be applied at the catheter insertion point.
• A thin, flexible catheter is gently inserted near a major nerve (for regional nerve blocks) or directly into the surgical site (for incisional pain control) during or immediately after surgery.
• The catheter is secured with a sterile dressing or adhesive to keep it in place.
• The catheter is connected to the On-Q elastomeric pump. This is a soft, balloon-like device pre-filled with a local anesthetic (e.g., ropivacaine or bupivacaine). It automatically and continuously delivers medication at a fixed rate.
• The patient is monitored briefly to ensure proper function of the On-Q system.

What Does Post-Procedure Care for the On-Q Catheter Involve?

Post-procedure care for an On-Q catheter involves monitoring the catheter site and pump to ensure proper function and prevent complications. The patient should check that the balloon pump gradually deflates, indicating the anesthetic is being delivered correctly. The catheter site must be kept clean, dry, and covered, with regular inspection for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage. Care should be taken to avoid kinking or pulling on the catheter tubing. If the system includes a bolus button, it can be used as instructed for extra pain relief. The catheter is typically removed after 2–5 days, and the patient should follow all instructions provided by their healthcare team regarding catheter care and pump disposal.

What are the Risks and Complications of the On-Q Catheter?

Risks and complications of the On-Q Catheter include the following:

• Infection at the catheter site
• Catheter dislodgement or blockage
• Allergic reaction to local anesthetic
• Numbness or tingling near the site
• Inadequate pain relief
• Local anesthetic toxicity (rare)

What are the Benefits of the On-Q Catheter?

Benefits of the On-Q Catheter include the following:

• Provides continuous, targeted pain relief
• Reduces or eliminates the need for opioids
• Minimizes opioid-related side effects (nausea, drowsiness, constipation)
• Enhances comfort and mobility after surgery
• Supports faster recovery and shorter hospital stays
• Easy to use and portable for home recovery