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Anaesthesia

Title:		Nerve stimulators for nerve location--are they all the same? A study of stimulator performance
Author(s):		Barthram, C. N.
Address:		Department of Anaesthetics, Perth Royal Infirmary, UK.
Year:		1997 Aug
Journal Title:		Anaesthesia
Page Number:		761-4
Language:		eng
Volume:		52
Issue:		8
ISSN/ISBN:		0003-2409 (Print). 0003-2409 (Linking)
Abstract:		This study set out to examine the nerve stimulators available in one trust hospital. Six different models were identified (Braun Stimuplex, Braun Stimuplex DIG, Digistim 3, Digistim 3 Plus, Regional Master Corporation Nerve Finder, Bard 750 Digital) and the output characteristics were measured for each stimulator using a twin beam calibrated storage oscilloscope. Target current output values from 0.3 mA to 3 mA and load resistances from 560 omega to 10k omega were selected to model the normal ranges of operating current and skin electrode-needle impedance when performing regional anaesthesia. Only half of the stimulators tested were able to complete the test and deliver a target current to +/-20% accuracy. The variation in performance of nerve stimulators means that for a safe and successful nerve block it is important for the operator to be aware of the design and functional limitations of any stimulator being used in clinical practice.