HIGH-RELIABILITY NERVE STIMULATOR FOR AIDING REGIONAL ANESTHESIA PROCEDURES

摘要

In the last decades, the use of nerve stimulators in nerve blockade anesthesia procedures has shown benefits to patients, since it allows a better location of the nerve plexus, leading to correct positioning of the needle through which the anesthetic is applied. However, many of the nerve stimulators available in the market for this purpose do not comply with minimum recommended features and specifications for a good stimulator. This can lead to risks to the patient. This study aims to develop an equipment that meets all the characteristics for a successful blockade. We developed a high-quality and high-precision device using embedded digital and analog electronics for accurate control for all stimulation parameters. The system consists of modules for generation and overall control of the current pulse, the patient interface, and communication interface with a personal computer. The results show that the proposed system fits into suggested specifications for a good neurostimulator to be used for nerve location during regional anesthesia procedures.