Twitcher: A Device to Simulate Thumb Twitch Response to Ulnar Nerve Stimulation

Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing volume 14, pages135–140(1998)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective. To design and fabricate a device to simulate evoked thumb adduction in response to ulnar nerve stimulation. Methods. We implemented a computer-controlled, motorized thumb (TWITCHER) that responds to ulnar nerve stimulation by an unmodified peripheral nerve stimulator. Clinically realistic response patterns are generated for both depolarizing and non-depolarizing muscle relaxants and three modes of stimulation (single twitch, train-of-four, tetanus). Results. The device has been used in a full-scale patient simulator for the last six years. Discussion. TWITCHER has been well received by participants in simulation exercises including the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

US$ 39.95

Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

REFERENCES

  1. 1.

    Lampotang S, Good ML, van Meurs WL, Carovano RG, Azukas J, Rueger EM, Gravenstein JS. The University of Florida/Loral human patient simulator, abstracted. J Anesthesia 1995; 9: SS1-5

    Google Scholar 

  2. 2.

    van Meurs WL, Good ML, Lampotang S. Functional anatomy of full-scale patient simulators. J Clin Monit, 1997; 13: 317-324

    Google Scholar 

  3. 3.

    Gaba DM, Deanda A. A comprehensive anesthesia simulation environment: re-creating the operating room for research and training. Anesthesiology 1988; 69: 387-394

    Google Scholar 

  4. 4.

    Atwater RJ, Good ML. A low-cost laboratory data acquisition and control system, abstracted. Int J Clin Monit Comput 1990; 7(1): 2-3

    Google Scholar 

  5. 5.

    Lampotang S, Good ML, Gravenstein JS, Carovano RG. Method and apparatus for simulating neuromuscular stimulation during medical surgery. US Patent 5,391,081, issued Feb 21, 1995

  6. 6.

    Lampotang S, Good ML, Heijnen PMAM. Low battery characteristic of the Professional Instruments NS-2CA nerve stimulator. J Clin Monit 1994; 10: 276

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Florida, U.S.A.

    Samsun Lampotang, Michael L. Good & Joachim S. Gravenstein

  2. University of Florida Brain Institute, Florida, U.S.A.

    Samsun Lampotang & Michael L. Good

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida College of Engineering, Florida, U.S.A.

    Samsun Lampotang

  4. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida College of Engineering, Florida, U.S.A.

    Samsun Lampotang

  5. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A.

    Michael L. Good

  6. PTT Telecom, The Netherlands

    Pascal M. A. M. Heijnen

Authors
  1. Samsun Lampotang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michael L. Good
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Pascal M. A. M. Heijnen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Joachim S. Gravenstein
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lampotang, S., Good, M.L., Heijnen, P.M.A.M. et al. Twitcher: A Device to Simulate Thumb Twitch Response to Ulnar Nerve Stimulation. J Clin Monit Comput 14, 135–140 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007492922193

Download citation

  • simulation
  • peripheral nerve stimulation
  • neuromuscular blockade
  • thumb adduction