An objective assessment of nerve stimulators used for peripheral nerve blockade*.
Nerve stimulation is considered by many to be the current 'gold standard' for locating peripheral nerves. Thirteen nerve stimulators were subjected to a battery of tests performed by two independent observers under standardised conditions using a digital oscilloscope, a calibrated resistance and a novel scoring system. Individual scores were assigned for the signal waveform, current intensity, impulse duration, maximum load output and functionality of each nerve stimulator; the maximum score achievable was 20. A score of > or = 15/20 was achieved by six nerve stimulators: Stimuplex HNS 12 (B Braun); MultiStim Vario (Pajunk); Plexival (Medival, Vygon); MultiStim Sensor (Pajunk); Plexygon (Aryon, Vygon); Stimuplex HNS 11 (B Braun). Seven nerve stimulators scored < 15/20. Anaesthetists should be aware of the limitations of the nerve stimulator being used. Standardisation of features is desirable when manufacturing nerve stimulators.
Jochum
D
D
Groupe Hospitalier Privé du Centre Alsace, Colmar, France. jochumd@calixo.net
Iohom
G
G
Diarra
D P
DP
Loughnane
F
F
Dupré
L J
LJ
Bouaziz
H
H
D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004582:Electronics, Medical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*