A voltage-controlled capacitive discharge method for electrical activation of peripheral nerves.
OBJECTIVE
A voltage-controlled capacitive discharge (VCCD) method was investigated as an alternative to rectangular stimulus pulses currently used in peripheral nerve stimulation therapies.


METHODS
In two anesthetized Gottingen mini pigs, the threshold (total charge per phase) for evoking a compound nerve action potential (CNAP) was compared between constant current (CC) and VCCD methods. Electrical pulses were applied to the tibial and posterior cutaneous femoralis nerves using standard and modified versions of the Medtronic 3778 Octad.


RESULTS
In contrast to CC stimulation, the combined application of VCCD pulses with a modified Octad resulted in a marked decrease (-73 ± 7.4%) in the stimulation threshold for evoking a CNAP. This was consistent for different myelinated fiber types and locations of stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
The VCCD method provides a highly charge-efficient means of activating myelinated fibers that could potentially be used within a wireless peripheral nerve stimulator system.
MicroTransponder Inc., Austin, TX 78738, USA. will@microtransponder.com
Will M
WM
Rosellini
Paul B
PB
Yoo
Navzer
N
Engineer
Scott
S
Armstrong
Richard L
RL
Weiner
Chester
C
Burress
Larry
L
Cauller
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D025802:Electric Capacitance; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000502:physiology