Preventing pacemaker problems with nerve stimulators

Nerve stimulators used for peripheral nerve blocks vary in their electrical characteristics.

BACKGROUND Nerve stimulation with a low-intensity electrical current has become a vital part of the performance of peripheral nerve blockade. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and characteristics of peripheral nerve stimulators used in clinical practice in the United States. METHODS Fifteen peripheral nerve stimulators were fitted with fresh batteries and set to deliver cu...

Preventing perioperative peripheral nerve injuries.

Peripheral nerve injuries are largely preventable injuries that can result from incorrect patient positioning during surgery. Patients who are diabetic, are extremely thin or obese, use tobacco, or undergo surgery lasting more than four hours are at increased risk for developing these injuries. When peripheral nerve injuries occur, patients may experience numbness, burning, or tingling and may ...

Preventing Child Behavior Problems

Cost-utility analysis of vagus nerve stimulators for adults with medically refractory epilepsy

INTRODUCTION The cost-utility of vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) devices for medically refractory epilepsy has yet to be estimated. METHODS Using a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of VNS, we estimate that six people require implantation in order for one person to experience a 50% reduction in seizure frequency. Costs averted from improved epilepsy control were ascertained from publ...

A rare instance of 'cardio-respiratory pacing': permanent pacemaker insertion for symptomatic bradycardia in a quadriplegic man dependent on diaphragmatic pacing by phrenic nerve stimulators.

Patients with high spinal cord injury may present with significant cardiac dysautonomia. There is a dearth of data regarding electromechanical interference to cardiac pacemakers from phrenic nerve stimulators which are used in such patients for respiratory support. We report an instance of bipolar lead permanent pacemaker insertion for ventricular standstill in a man with quadriplegia following...