Abstract
Background and objectiveHigh-frequency alternating current (HFAC) can yield a rapid-acting and reversible nerve conduction block. The present study aimed to demonstrate the successful implementation of HFAC block delivery via regenerative macro-sieve electrodes (MSEs).MethodsDual-electrode assemblies in two configurations [dual macro-sieve electrode-1 (DMSE-I), DMSE-II] were fabricated from pairs of MSEs and implanted in the transected and subsequently repaired sciatic nerves of two male Lewis rats. After four months of postoperative nerve regeneration through the MSEs' transit zones, the efficacy of acute HFAC block was tested for both configurations. Frequencies ranging from 10 kHz to 42 kHz, and stimulus amplitudes with peak-to-peak voltages ranging from 2 V to 20 V were tested. Evoked muscle force measurement was used to quantify the nerve conduction block.ResultsHFAC stimulation delivered via DMSE assemblies obtained a complete block at frequencies of 14 to 26 kHz and stimulus amplitudes of 12 to 20 V p-p. The threshold voltage for the complete block showed an approximately linear dependence on frequency. The threshold voltage for the partial conduction block was also approximately linear. For those frequencies that displayed both partial and complete block, the partial block thresholds were consistently lower.ConclusionThis study provides a proof of concept that regenerative MSEs can achieve complete and reversible conduction block via HFAC stimulation of regenerated nerve tissue. A chronically interfaced DMSE assembly may thereby facilitate the inactivation of targeted nerves in cases wherein pathologic neuronal hyperactivity is involved.
Highlights
Various neurological diseases are characterized by hyperactivity of sensory or motor neurons leading to chronic neuropathic pain or dystonia
high-frequency alternating current (HFAC) stimulation delivered via DMSE assemblies obtained a complete block at frequencies of 14 to 26 kHz and stimulus amplitudes of 12 to 20 V p-p
Since the HFAC block threshold depends on the bipolar electrode distance, dual macro-sieve assemblies were fabricated in two configurations: [dual macro-sieve electrode-1 (DMSE-I), DMSE-II] (Figure 2)
Summary
Various neurological diseases are characterized by hyperactivity of sensory or motor neurons leading to chronic neuropathic pain or dystonia. These conditions are usually treated via blockade of nerve conduction, thereby alleviating symptoms [1]. Pharmaceutical nerve stabilizers are usually used for treatment; due to adverse effects and issues with long-term dependency, alternative non-pharmacological approaches are increasingly being preferred [2,3]. A number of studies have demonstrated the use of HFAC to deliver conduction blocks with minimal adverse effects and rapid reversibility [5,6,7,8,9,10]. The present study aimed to demonstrate the successful implementation of HFAC block delivery via regenerative macro-sieve electrodes (MSEs)
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