GOBlock™ FAQ

How does the GOBlock™ work?

A. The GOBlock™ consists of two ‘balloons’ that are inflated with a local anesthetic medication. The medication is delivered via tubing and catheter to the nerve block site at a constant flow rate. The GOBlock™  is portable and disposable and can be worn by the patient until all medication is infused. No healthcare professional or patient intervention is required for the GOBlock™  to function, once properly inserted.

What are the benefits of using a GOBlock™ ?

A. There are many benefits of using a GOBlock™ Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Pump, some of which include:

  • Continuous pain relief
  • Easy to use! No programming or batteries required
  • Anesthesia for up to 4 days
  • Device requires minimal human intervention
  • Portable, permits patient mobility
  • May reduce need for narcotics

How can I tell if the GOBlock™ is working?

A. The light colored ‘balloons’ will gradually decrease in size as the medication is dispensed at a rate of 6ml/hr, 8ml/hr or 10ml/hr over time, depending on the GOBlock™  selected. Please be aware that the decrease in size is so slow that it cannot be seen immediately. The medication will be fully dispensed when both ‘balloons’ become visibly flat on all sides, appearing like thick pencils. Sometimes sides are not evenly flat. This is normal and not cause for alarm. If you notice that the pump is not working properly, close the clamp and call the Symbios Patient Hotline at 1.866.844.5443 or call your physician. For a time-lapse illustration of the pump infusing, click here.

What medications are used with GOBlock™ ?

A. Most anesthesiologists will use a local anesthetic. The choice of medication is the sole decision of the prescribing physician. Drug manufacturer prescribing information should be followed at all times for dosing.

How long does the pump last?

See the GOBlock Duration Table for approximate infusion times.

What should I do when the GOBlock™ is empty?

A. When the GOBlock™ has finished infusing, it will be up to the prescribing physician to determine if they will remove the catheter during an office visit, or if the patient will remove the catheter at home. Patients should follow the instructions of their physician for removal.

Can patients shower with the GOBlock™ ?

A. Patients should follow their surgeon’s or anesthesiologist’s instructions for showering following their procedure. If showering or bathing is permitted, patients should not get the pump, catheter or tubing wet.

Is there any latex in the GOBlock™ ?

A. No. The GOBlock™ is completely latex-free.

Can this device be used with other pain relievers?

A. The GOBlock™ should reduce or eliminate the need for narcotics or additional pain relievers. However, any medications prescribed by the surgeon or anesthesiologist can be safely taken while wearing the pump.

Are there reimbursement codes for the GOBlock™ ?

A. CPT codes for continuous nerve block procedures are as follows:

  • Continuous brachial plexus:  64416
  • Continuous sciatic:  64446
  • Continuous femoral:  64448
  • Continuous lumbar plexus:  64449
  • Peripheral nerve/branch:  64450

What if my physician hasn’t started using the GOBlock™ yet?

A. You can help him or her learn about all the great benefits of using the GOBlock™  by printing off this product brochure and taking it to your next visit! You can also direct your physician to our website- www.symbiosmedical.com, where they can contact us for more information.

Download the GOBlock™ FAQ brochure here

If you have any additional questions, feel free to email us at: info@symbiosmedical.com.

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