Definition
“Nerve block” is an electrical method of inducing block of the conduction of action potentials in peripheral nerves. This type of block can be obtained by three distinct methods: collision block, direct current (DC) block, and kilohertz-frequency alternating current (KHFAC) nerve block. Collision block stimulates the nerve at a rapid rate and uses antidromic annihilation of action potentials of interest. The clinical use of this technique is limited. DC blocks action potentials by two different mechanisms – depolarization block and hyperpolarization block – but typically damages the nerve within a few seconds. KHFAC block produces a rapid and reversible nerve block and is potentially safe for long-duration applications.
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Background
There is an unmet clinical need for a method for rapidly and...
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References
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Ackermann, M., Bhadra, N. (2014). Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Technique: Nerve Block. In: Jaeger, D., Jung, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Computational Neuroscience. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_219-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7320-6_219-1
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Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
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