Localized electrical nerve blocking

Localized electrical nerve blocking was investigated in computer simulation and in vivo trials for sinusoidal frequencies between 5 and 20 kHz. Computer simulations indicated that a localized transmission block of the axons could occur in each of the axon models. An approximation of nerve stimulatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 362 - 370
Main Authors:	Williamson, R.P., Andrews, B.J.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States IEEE 01-03-2005 The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
Subjects:	Action Potentials - physiology Animals Axon stimulation Biomembranes Computational modeling computer modeling Computer Simulation Electric Stimulation - methods electrical nerve blocking Electrodes Female Frequency In vivo in vivo trials Isometric Contraction - physiology Models, Neurological Muscle, Skeletal - innervation Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Muscles Nerve Block - methods Nerve fibers Neural Conduction - physiology Rats Sciatic Nerve - physiology Voltage
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Summary:	Localized electrical nerve blocking was investigated in computer simulation and in vivo trials for sinusoidal frequencies between 5 and 20 kHz. Computer simulations indicated that a localized transmission block of the axons could occur in each of the axon models. An approximation of nerve stimulation was derived from individual axon simulations conducted over axon diameters of 5-15 /spl mu/m and electrode to axon distances of 0.25 to 2.0 mm. Examination of the membrane voltage and ionic gate potentials indicated that the block could be attributed to an elevated membrane voltage. The elevated membrane voltage could prevent conduction of action potentials through the region of the sinusoidal currents. At lower amplitudes, the sinusoidal current could stimulate the axon and generate a continuous series of action potentials. In vivo trials demonstrated that the sinusoidal frequencies of greater than 10 kHz would cause a localized block in rats. Sinusoidal frequencies below 5 kHz would lead to a reduction in muscle force that appeared to be caused by depletion of transmitter at the neuromuscular junction. As indicated by the computer models of rat nerves, the endplate depletion block occurred at a lower frequency (below 5 kHz) than the block (above 10 kHz). A partial block of the axon was demonstrated, suggesting that sinusoidal currents could be used to provide selective stimulation if they are combined with distal electrical stimulation.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-1 content type line 23 ObjectType-Article-1 ObjectType-Feature-2
ISSN:	0018-9294 1558-2531
DOI:	10.1109/TBME.2004.842790