The Experts below are selected from a list of 5631 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Shannon L. Adkins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Posttetanic Count Revisited: Are Measurements More Reliable Using the TOF-Watch Accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator?
Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing, 2004Co-Authors: Robert D. Jr. Vincent , Russell C. Brockwell, Michael C. Moreno, Shannon L. AdkinsAbstract:Objective. Measurement of profound neuromuscular block using posttetanic count is among the most subjective measurements made in clinical anesthesia. The TOF-Watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator provides objective measurements of neuromuscular block that may improve our ability to quantitate intense blockade. Methods. The TOF-Watch and Digi Stim III Peripheral Nerve Stimulators were used to monitor onset and early recovery of neuromuscular response induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg IV in 30 patients anesthetized with general anesthesia. After induction, train-of-four count (when present) was measured at one-min intervals. Subsequently, posttetanic count was measured at three-min intervals until the first response to train-of-four stimulation reappeared. Results. Posttetanic count and train-of-four count measurements were determined to be consistently unreliable throughout the study in seven (23%) patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator and three (10%) patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator ( p = NS). Among Stimulators yielding reliable measurements, decreases in train-of-four count to 0/4 were noted earlier with the Digi Stim III monitor (median = 2 min) as compared with the TOF-Watch device (median = 4 min) ( p < 0.05). Also, posttetanic count decreased to zero in only 35% of patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator versus 67% of patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator ( p < 0.05). Conclusions. Both monitors were similar in their ability to predict return to TOFC = 1 as a function of PTC measurements. The TOF-Watch monitor is easy to apply even in inexperienced hands. However, the device yielded erroneous data in 23% of patients.
-
posttetanic count revisited are measurements more reliable using the tof watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator
Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing, 2003Co-Authors: R D Vincent, Russell C. Brockwell, Michael C. Moreno, Shannon L. AdkinsAbstract:Objective.Measurement of profound neuromuscular block using posttetanic count is among the most subjective measurements made in clinical anesthesia. The TOF-Watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator provides objective measurements of neuromuscular block that may improve our ability to quantitate intense blockade. Methods.The TOF-Watch and Digi Stim III Peripheral Nerve Stimulators were used to monitor onset and early recovery of neuromuscular response induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg IV in 30 patients anesthetized with general anesthesia. After induction, train-of-four count (when present) was measured at one-min intervals. Subsequently, posttetanic count was measured at three-min intervals until the first response to train-of-four stimulation reappeared. Results.Posttetanic count and train-of-four count measurements were determined to be consistently unreliable throughout the study in seven (23%) patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator and three (10%) patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator (p= NS). Among Stimulators yielding reliable measurements, decreases in train-of-four count to 0/4 were noted earlier with the Digi Stim III monitor (median = 2 min) as compared with the TOF-Watch device (median = 4 min) (p< 0.05). Also, posttetanic count decreased to zero in only 35% of patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator versus 67% of patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator (p< 0.05). Conclusions.Both monitors were similar in their ability to predict return to TOFC = 1 as a function of PTC measurements. The TOF-Watch monitor is easy to apply even in inexperienced hands. However, the device yielded erroneous data in 23% of patients.
Gareth N. Corry - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Reproducibility of current perception threshold with the Neurometer^® vs the Stimpod NMS450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in healthy volunteers: an observational study
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia Journal canadien d'anesthésie, 2013Co-Authors: Ban C. H. Tsui, Danika H. Leung, Jeremy H. Tsui, Timothy J. Shakespeare, Gareth N. CorryAbstract:Purpose Current methods of assessing Nerve blocks, such as loss of perception to cold sensation, are subjective at best. Transcutaneous Nerve stimulation is an alternative method that has previously been used to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) in individuals with neuropathic conditions, and various devices to measure CPT are commercially available. Nevertheless, the device must provide reproducible results to be used as an objective tool for assessing Nerve blocks. Methods We recruited ten healthy volunteers to examine CPT reproducibility using the Neurometer^® and the Stimpod NMS450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator. Each subject’s CPT was determined for the median (second digit) and ulnar (fifth digit) Nerve sensory distributions on both hands – with the Neurometer at 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2000 Hz and with the Stimpod at pulse widths of 0.1 msec, 0.3 msec, 0.5 msec, and 1.0 msec, both at 5 Hz and 2 Hz. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were also calculated to assess reproducibility; acceptable ICCs were defined as ≥ 0.4. Results The ICC values for the Stimpod ranged from 0.425-0.79, depending on pulse width, digit, and stimulation; ICCs for the Neurometer were 0.615 and 0.735 at 250 and 2,000 Hz, respectively. These values were considered acceptable; however, the Neurometer performed less efficiently at 5 Hz (ICCs for the second and fifth digits were 0.292 and 0.318, respectively). Conclusion Overall, the Stimpod device displayed good to excellent reproducibility in measuring CPT in healthy volunteers. The Neurometer displayed poor reproducibility at low frequency (5 Hz). These results suggest that Peripheral Nerve Stimulators may be potential devices for measuring CPT to assess Nerve blocks. Objectif Dans le meilleur des cas, les méthodes actuelles pour évaluer les blocs Nerveux, telles que la perte de perception de la sensation de froid, sont subjectives. La stimulation Nerveuse transcutanée est une autre méthode, qui a été utilisée par le passé pour mesurer le seuil de perception du courant (CPT en anglais) chez les personnes atteintes de neuropathies. Il existe plusieurs dispositifs pour mesurer le CPT. Toutefois, le dispositif doit être en mesure de fournir des résultats reproductibles si l’on veut pouvoir l’utiliser comme outil objectif d’évaluation de la curarisation. Méthode Nous avons recruté dix volontaires sains pour étudier la reproductibilité du CPT lors de l’utilisation des stimulateurs des nerfs périphériques Neurometer^® et Stimpod NMS450. Le CPT de chaque participant a été déterminé dans les territoires sensitifs des nerfs médian (deuxième doigt) et ulnaire (cinquième doigt) de chaque main, en réglant le Neurometer à 5 Hz, 250 Hz et 2000 Hz et le Stimpod à des durées d’impulsion de 0,1 msec, 0,3 msec, 0,5 msec et 1,0 msec, à 5 Hz et 2 Hz. Les coefficients de corrélation intraclasse (CCI) ont également été calculés afin d’évaluer la reproductibilité; les CCI ont été définis comme étant acceptables à ≥ 0,4. Résultats Les valeurs CCI pour le Stimpod se situaient entre 0,425 et 0,79, selon la durée d’impulsion, le doigt et la stimulation; les CCI pour le Neurometer étaient de 0,615 et 0,735 à 250 et 2000 Hz, respectivement. Ces valeurs ont été considérées comme acceptables; toutefois, le Neurometer était moins efficace à 5 Hz (les valeurs de CCI pour le deuxième et le cinquième doigt étaient de 0,292 et 0,318, respectivement). Conclusion Globalement, le Stimpod a affiché une reproductibilité bonne à excellente pour mesurer le CPT chez des volontaires sains. Le Neurometer a montré une reproductibilité médiocre à basse fréquence (5 Hz). Ces résultats suggèrent que les stimulateurs de nerfs périphériques pourraient constituer des dispositifs potentiels de mesure du CPT pour évaluer les blocs Nerveux.
-
Reproducibility of current perception threshold with the Neurometer(®) vs the Stimpod NMS450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in healthy volunteers: an observational study.
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia-journal Canadien D Anesthesie, 2013Co-Authors: Ban C. H. Tsui, Danika H. Leung, Jeremy H. Tsui, Timothy J. Shakespeare, Gareth N. CorryAbstract:Purpose Current methods of assessing Nerve blocks, such as loss of perception to cold sensation, are subjective at best. Transcutaneous Nerve stimulation is an alternative method that has previously been used to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) in individuals with neuropathic conditions, and various devices to measure CPT are commercially available. Nevertheless, the device must provide reproducible results to be used as an objective tool for assessing Nerve blocks.
-
reproducibility of current perception threshold with the neurometer vs the stimpod nms450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in healthy volunteers an observational study
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia-journal Canadien D Anesthesie, 2013Co-Authors: Ban C. H. Tsui, Danika H. Leung, Jeremy H. Tsui, Timothy J. Shakespeare, Gareth N. CorryAbstract:Purpose Current methods of assessing Nerve blocks, such as loss of perception to cold sensation, are subjective at best. Transcutaneous Nerve stimulation is an alternative method that has previously been used to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) in individuals with neuropathic conditions, and various devices to measure CPT are commercially available. Nevertheless, the device must provide reproducible results to be used as an objective tool for assessing Nerve blocks.
-
reproducibility of current perception threshold with the neurometer vs the stimpod nms450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in healthy volunteers an observational study reproductibilitedu seuil de perception du courant avec les stimulateurs des nerfs perip
2013Co-Authors: Ban C. H. Tsui, J Shakespeare, H Tsui, Gareth N. CorryAbstract:Purpose Current methods of assessing Nerve blocks, such as loss of perception to cold sensation, are subjective at best. Transcutaneous Nerve stimulation is an alternative method that has previously been used to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) in individuals with neuropathic conditions, and various devices to measure CPT are commercially available. Nevertheless, the device must provide reproducible results to be used as an objective tool for assessing Nerve blocks. Methods We recruited ten healthy volunteers to examine CPT reproducibility using the Neurometerand the Stimpod NMS450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator. Each subject's CPT was determined for the median (second digit) and ulnar (fifth digit) Nerve sensory distributions on both hands - with the Neurometer at 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2000 Hz and with the Stimpod at pulse widths of 0.1 msec, 0.3 msec, 0.5 msec, and 1.0 msec, both at 5 Hz and 2 Hz. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were also calculated to assess reproducibility; acceptable ICCs were defined as C 0.4. Results The ICC values for the Stimpod ranged from 0.425-0.79, depending on pulse width, digit, and stimulation; ICCs for the Neurometer were 0.615 and 0.735 at 250 and 2,000 Hz, respectively. These values were considered acceptable; however, the Neurometer performed less efficiently at 5 Hz (ICCs for the second and fifth digits were 0.292 and 0.318, respectively). Conclusion Overall, the Stimpod device displayed good to excellent reproducibility in measuring CPT in healthy volunteers. The Neurometer displayed poor reproducibility at low frequency (5 Hz). These results suggest that Peripheral Nerve Stimulators may be potential devices for measuring CPT to assess Nerve blocks.
Russell C. Brockwell - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Posttetanic Count Revisited: Are Measurements More Reliable Using the TOF-Watch Accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator?
Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing, 2004Co-Authors: Robert D. Jr. Vincent , Russell C. Brockwell, Michael C. Moreno, Shannon L. AdkinsAbstract:Objective. Measurement of profound neuromuscular block using posttetanic count is among the most subjective measurements made in clinical anesthesia. The TOF-Watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator provides objective measurements of neuromuscular block that may improve our ability to quantitate intense blockade. Methods. The TOF-Watch and Digi Stim III Peripheral Nerve Stimulators were used to monitor onset and early recovery of neuromuscular response induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg IV in 30 patients anesthetized with general anesthesia. After induction, train-of-four count (when present) was measured at one-min intervals. Subsequently, posttetanic count was measured at three-min intervals until the first response to train-of-four stimulation reappeared. Results. Posttetanic count and train-of-four count measurements were determined to be consistently unreliable throughout the study in seven (23%) patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator and three (10%) patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator ( p = NS). Among Stimulators yielding reliable measurements, decreases in train-of-four count to 0/4 were noted earlier with the Digi Stim III monitor (median = 2 min) as compared with the TOF-Watch device (median = 4 min) ( p < 0.05). Also, posttetanic count decreased to zero in only 35% of patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator versus 67% of patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator ( p < 0.05). Conclusions. Both monitors were similar in their ability to predict return to TOFC = 1 as a function of PTC measurements. The TOF-Watch monitor is easy to apply even in inexperienced hands. However, the device yielded erroneous data in 23% of patients.
-
posttetanic count revisited are measurements more reliable using the tof watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator
Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing, 2003Co-Authors: R D Vincent, Russell C. Brockwell, Michael C. Moreno, Shannon L. AdkinsAbstract:Objective.Measurement of profound neuromuscular block using posttetanic count is among the most subjective measurements made in clinical anesthesia. The TOF-Watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator provides objective measurements of neuromuscular block that may improve our ability to quantitate intense blockade. Methods.The TOF-Watch and Digi Stim III Peripheral Nerve Stimulators were used to monitor onset and early recovery of neuromuscular response induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg IV in 30 patients anesthetized with general anesthesia. After induction, train-of-four count (when present) was measured at one-min intervals. Subsequently, posttetanic count was measured at three-min intervals until the first response to train-of-four stimulation reappeared. Results.Posttetanic count and train-of-four count measurements were determined to be consistently unreliable throughout the study in seven (23%) patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator and three (10%) patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator (p= NS). Among Stimulators yielding reliable measurements, decreases in train-of-four count to 0/4 were noted earlier with the Digi Stim III monitor (median = 2 min) as compared with the TOF-Watch device (median = 4 min) (p< 0.05). Also, posttetanic count decreased to zero in only 35% of patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator versus 67% of patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator (p< 0.05). Conclusions.Both monitors were similar in their ability to predict return to TOFC = 1 as a function of PTC measurements. The TOF-Watch monitor is easy to apply even in inexperienced hands. However, the device yielded erroneous data in 23% of patients.
Michael C. Moreno - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Posttetanic Count Revisited: Are Measurements More Reliable Using the TOF-Watch Accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator?
Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing, 2004Co-Authors: Robert D. Jr. Vincent , Russell C. Brockwell, Michael C. Moreno, Shannon L. AdkinsAbstract:Objective. Measurement of profound neuromuscular block using posttetanic count is among the most subjective measurements made in clinical anesthesia. The TOF-Watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator provides objective measurements of neuromuscular block that may improve our ability to quantitate intense blockade. Methods. The TOF-Watch and Digi Stim III Peripheral Nerve Stimulators were used to monitor onset and early recovery of neuromuscular response induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg IV in 30 patients anesthetized with general anesthesia. After induction, train-of-four count (when present) was measured at one-min intervals. Subsequently, posttetanic count was measured at three-min intervals until the first response to train-of-four stimulation reappeared. Results. Posttetanic count and train-of-four count measurements were determined to be consistently unreliable throughout the study in seven (23%) patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator and three (10%) patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator ( p = NS). Among Stimulators yielding reliable measurements, decreases in train-of-four count to 0/4 were noted earlier with the Digi Stim III monitor (median = 2 min) as compared with the TOF-Watch device (median = 4 min) ( p < 0.05). Also, posttetanic count decreased to zero in only 35% of patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator versus 67% of patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator ( p < 0.05). Conclusions. Both monitors were similar in their ability to predict return to TOFC = 1 as a function of PTC measurements. The TOF-Watch monitor is easy to apply even in inexperienced hands. However, the device yielded erroneous data in 23% of patients.
-
posttetanic count revisited are measurements more reliable using the tof watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator
Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing, 2003Co-Authors: R D Vincent, Russell C. Brockwell, Michael C. Moreno, Shannon L. AdkinsAbstract:Objective.Measurement of profound neuromuscular block using posttetanic count is among the most subjective measurements made in clinical anesthesia. The TOF-Watch accelerographic Peripheral Nerve Stimulator provides objective measurements of neuromuscular block that may improve our ability to quantitate intense blockade. Methods.The TOF-Watch and Digi Stim III Peripheral Nerve Stimulators were used to monitor onset and early recovery of neuromuscular response induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg IV in 30 patients anesthetized with general anesthesia. After induction, train-of-four count (when present) was measured at one-min intervals. Subsequently, posttetanic count was measured at three-min intervals until the first response to train-of-four stimulation reappeared. Results.Posttetanic count and train-of-four count measurements were determined to be consistently unreliable throughout the study in seven (23%) patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator and three (10%) patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator (p= NS). Among Stimulators yielding reliable measurements, decreases in train-of-four count to 0/4 were noted earlier with the Digi Stim III monitor (median = 2 min) as compared with the TOF-Watch device (median = 4 min) (p< 0.05). Also, posttetanic count decreased to zero in only 35% of patients with the TOF-Watch Stimulator versus 67% of patients with the Digi Stim III Stimulator (p< 0.05). Conclusions.Both monitors were similar in their ability to predict return to TOFC = 1 as a function of PTC measurements. The TOF-Watch monitor is easy to apply even in inexperienced hands. However, the device yielded erroneous data in 23% of patients.
Ban C. H. Tsui - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Reproducibility of current perception threshold with the Neurometer^® vs the Stimpod NMS450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in healthy volunteers: an observational study
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia Journal canadien d'anesthésie, 2013Co-Authors: Ban C. H. Tsui, Danika H. Leung, Jeremy H. Tsui, Timothy J. Shakespeare, Gareth N. CorryAbstract:Purpose Current methods of assessing Nerve blocks, such as loss of perception to cold sensation, are subjective at best. Transcutaneous Nerve stimulation is an alternative method that has previously been used to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) in individuals with neuropathic conditions, and various devices to measure CPT are commercially available. Nevertheless, the device must provide reproducible results to be used as an objective tool for assessing Nerve blocks. Methods We recruited ten healthy volunteers to examine CPT reproducibility using the Neurometer^® and the Stimpod NMS450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator. Each subject’s CPT was determined for the median (second digit) and ulnar (fifth digit) Nerve sensory distributions on both hands – with the Neurometer at 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2000 Hz and with the Stimpod at pulse widths of 0.1 msec, 0.3 msec, 0.5 msec, and 1.0 msec, both at 5 Hz and 2 Hz. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were also calculated to assess reproducibility; acceptable ICCs were defined as ≥ 0.4. Results The ICC values for the Stimpod ranged from 0.425-0.79, depending on pulse width, digit, and stimulation; ICCs for the Neurometer were 0.615 and 0.735 at 250 and 2,000 Hz, respectively. These values were considered acceptable; however, the Neurometer performed less efficiently at 5 Hz (ICCs for the second and fifth digits were 0.292 and 0.318, respectively). Conclusion Overall, the Stimpod device displayed good to excellent reproducibility in measuring CPT in healthy volunteers. The Neurometer displayed poor reproducibility at low frequency (5 Hz). These results suggest that Peripheral Nerve Stimulators may be potential devices for measuring CPT to assess Nerve blocks. Objectif Dans le meilleur des cas, les méthodes actuelles pour évaluer les blocs Nerveux, telles que la perte de perception de la sensation de froid, sont subjectives. La stimulation Nerveuse transcutanée est une autre méthode, qui a été utilisée par le passé pour mesurer le seuil de perception du courant (CPT en anglais) chez les personnes atteintes de neuropathies. Il existe plusieurs dispositifs pour mesurer le CPT. Toutefois, le dispositif doit être en mesure de fournir des résultats reproductibles si l’on veut pouvoir l’utiliser comme outil objectif d’évaluation de la curarisation. Méthode Nous avons recruté dix volontaires sains pour étudier la reproductibilité du CPT lors de l’utilisation des stimulateurs des nerfs périphériques Neurometer^® et Stimpod NMS450. Le CPT de chaque participant a été déterminé dans les territoires sensitifs des nerfs médian (deuxième doigt) et ulnaire (cinquième doigt) de chaque main, en réglant le Neurometer à 5 Hz, 250 Hz et 2000 Hz et le Stimpod à des durées d’impulsion de 0,1 msec, 0,3 msec, 0,5 msec et 1,0 msec, à 5 Hz et 2 Hz. Les coefficients de corrélation intraclasse (CCI) ont également été calculés afin d’évaluer la reproductibilité; les CCI ont été définis comme étant acceptables à ≥ 0,4. Résultats Les valeurs CCI pour le Stimpod se situaient entre 0,425 et 0,79, selon la durée d’impulsion, le doigt et la stimulation; les CCI pour le Neurometer étaient de 0,615 et 0,735 à 250 et 2000 Hz, respectivement. Ces valeurs ont été considérées comme acceptables; toutefois, le Neurometer était moins efficace à 5 Hz (les valeurs de CCI pour le deuxième et le cinquième doigt étaient de 0,292 et 0,318, respectivement). Conclusion Globalement, le Stimpod a affiché une reproductibilité bonne à excellente pour mesurer le CPT chez des volontaires sains. Le Neurometer a montré une reproductibilité médiocre à basse fréquence (5 Hz). Ces résultats suggèrent que les stimulateurs de nerfs périphériques pourraient constituer des dispositifs potentiels de mesure du CPT pour évaluer les blocs Nerveux.
-
Reproducibility of current perception threshold with the Neurometer(®) vs the Stimpod NMS450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in healthy volunteers: an observational study.
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia-journal Canadien D Anesthesie, 2013Co-Authors: Ban C. H. Tsui, Danika H. Leung, Jeremy H. Tsui, Timothy J. Shakespeare, Gareth N. CorryAbstract:Purpose Current methods of assessing Nerve blocks, such as loss of perception to cold sensation, are subjective at best. Transcutaneous Nerve stimulation is an alternative method that has previously been used to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) in individuals with neuropathic conditions, and various devices to measure CPT are commercially available. Nevertheless, the device must provide reproducible results to be used as an objective tool for assessing Nerve blocks.
-
reproducibility of current perception threshold with the neurometer vs the stimpod nms450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in healthy volunteers an observational study
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia-journal Canadien D Anesthesie, 2013Co-Authors: Ban C. H. Tsui, Danika H. Leung, Jeremy H. Tsui, Timothy J. Shakespeare, Gareth N. CorryAbstract:Purpose Current methods of assessing Nerve blocks, such as loss of perception to cold sensation, are subjective at best. Transcutaneous Nerve stimulation is an alternative method that has previously been used to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) in individuals with neuropathic conditions, and various devices to measure CPT are commercially available. Nevertheless, the device must provide reproducible results to be used as an objective tool for assessing Nerve blocks.
-
reproducibility of current perception threshold with the neurometer vs the stimpod nms450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in healthy volunteers an observational study reproductibilitedu seuil de perception du courant avec les stimulateurs des nerfs perip
2013Co-Authors: Ban C. H. Tsui, J Shakespeare, H Tsui, Gareth N. CorryAbstract:Purpose Current methods of assessing Nerve blocks, such as loss of perception to cold sensation, are subjective at best. Transcutaneous Nerve stimulation is an alternative method that has previously been used to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) in individuals with neuropathic conditions, and various devices to measure CPT are commercially available. Nevertheless, the device must provide reproducible results to be used as an objective tool for assessing Nerve blocks. Methods We recruited ten healthy volunteers to examine CPT reproducibility using the Neurometerand the Stimpod NMS450 Peripheral Nerve Stimulator. Each subject's CPT was determined for the median (second digit) and ulnar (fifth digit) Nerve sensory distributions on both hands - with the Neurometer at 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2000 Hz and with the Stimpod at pulse widths of 0.1 msec, 0.3 msec, 0.5 msec, and 1.0 msec, both at 5 Hz and 2 Hz. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were also calculated to assess reproducibility; acceptable ICCs were defined as C 0.4. Results The ICC values for the Stimpod ranged from 0.425-0.79, depending on pulse width, digit, and stimulation; ICCs for the Neurometer were 0.615 and 0.735 at 250 and 2,000 Hz, respectively. These values were considered acceptable; however, the Neurometer performed less efficiently at 5 Hz (ICCs for the second and fifth digits were 0.292 and 0.318, respectively). Conclusion Overall, the Stimpod device displayed good to excellent reproducibility in measuring CPT in healthy volunteers. The Neurometer displayed poor reproducibility at low frequency (5 Hz). These results suggest that Peripheral Nerve Stimulators may be potential devices for measuring CPT to assess Nerve blocks.