Different pulse shapes for selective large fibre block in sacral nerve roots using a technique of anodal block: an experimental study

Vučković, A. and Rijkhoff, N. J. M. (2004) Different pulse shapes for selective large fibre block in sacral nerve roots using a technique of anodal block: an experimental study. Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing, 42(6), pp. 817-824. (doi: 10.1007/BF02345216)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02345216

Abstract

The aim of this study was experimentally to investigate whether it is possible to reduce the charge per phase that is applied during selective large fibre block. Sacral roots in pigs were stimulated. Sacral roots contain large somatic nerve fibres and small parasympathetic nerve fibres. Large nerve fibres that innervate the external urethral and external anal sphincters were selectively blocked using a technique of anodal block. In that way, selective activation of the detrusor muscle and the rectum innervated by parasympathetic fibres could be obtained. The square stimulation pulse was replaced with three different pulse shapes that had the same duration as the square pulse and consisted of a depolarising prepulse and a blocking part of the pulse. Compared with the square pulse, the charge per phase needed for anodal block could be reduced with all three pulse shapes. Maximum reduction of the charge per pulse was 17±6%. A lower charge might make anodal block safer in long-term applications.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Vuckovic, Dr Aleksandra
Authors: Vučković, A., and Rijkhoff, N. J. M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
Journal Name:Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing
Publisher:Springer Verlag
ISSN:0140-0118
ISSN (Online):1741-0444

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