TWITCHER: a device to stimulate thumb twitch response to ulnar nerve stimulation.
OBJECTIVE
To design and fabricate a device to simulate evoked thumb adduction in response to ulnar nerve stimulation.


METHODS
We implemented a computer-controlled, motorized thumb (TWITCHER) that responds to ulnar nerve stimulation by an unmodified peripheral nerve stimulator. Clinically realistic response patterns are generated for both depolarizing and non-depolarizing muscle relaxants and three modes of stimulation (single twitch, train-of-four, tetanus).


RESULTS
The device has been used in a full-scale patient simulator for the last six years.


CONCLUSIONS
TWITCHER has been well received by participants in simulation exercises including the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs.
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, University of Florida Brain Institute, Gainesville 32610-0254, USA. sem@anest4.anest.ufl.edu
S
S
Lampotang
M L
ML
Good
P M
PM
Heijnen
J S
JS
Gravenstein
D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D013933:Thumb / Q000294:innervation*; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000502:physiology*