Premium
Nerve stimulators for nerve location — are they all the same?A study of stimulator performance
Author(s) -
Barthram C. N.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1997.179-az0313.x
Subject(s) - medicine , nerve stimulator , oscilloscope , nerve stimulation , nerve block , anesthesia , biomedical engineering , electrical engineering , stimulation , voltage , engineering
This study set out to examine the nerve stimulators available in one trust hospital. Six different models were identified (Braun Stimuplex, Braun Stimuplex DIG, Digistim 3, Digistim 3 Plus, Regional Master Corporation Nerve Finder, Bard 750 Digital) and the output characteristics were measured for each stimulator using a twin beam calibrated storage oscilloscope. Target current output values from 0.3 mA to 3 mA and load resistances from 560 Ω to 10 kΩ were selected to model the normal ranges of operating current and skin electrode — needle impedance when performing regional anaesthesia. Only half of the stimulators tested were able to complete the test and deliver a target current to ± 20% accuracy. The variation in performance of nerve stimulators means that for a safe and successful nerve block it is important for the operator to be aware of the design and functional limitations of any stimulator being used in clinical practice.