title: Nerve stimulators for nerve location--are they all the same? A study of stimulator performance.
abstract: 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 omega to 10k omega 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Perth Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Barthram
mesh_terms: D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004582:Electronics, Medical; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response; D006801:Humans; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000295:instrumentation*