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.
Lampotang
S
S
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, University of Florida Brain Institute, Gainesville 32610-0254, USA. sem@anest4.anest.ufl.edu
Good
M L
ML
Heijnen
P M
PM
Gravenstein
J S
JS
D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D013933:Thumb / Q000294:innervation*; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000502:physiology*