Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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One significant challenge of developing a controller for functional electrical stimulation systems is the time-variant nonlinear dynamics of the neuromusculoskeletal system. In the conventional methods, the stimulation intensity is adjusted by a controller; however, the stimulation frequency is always constant. The previous studies have shown that the stimulation frequency is effective in fatigue formation. ⋯ The experimental results show that control performance and tracking ability of the joint reference trajectory are improved by using the simultaneous modulation of PW, amplitude, and frequency.
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Editorial Case Reports
Examining the Need to Standardize Implanted Stimulator Connectors: NANS Survey Results.
Connectors between implanted stimulator electrodes and pulse generators allow revisions, including battery changes or generator upgrades, to proceed without disturbing uninvolved components, such as the electrode. As new devices are introduced, however, connector incompatibility, even with updated hardware from the same manufacturer, can lead to additional procedures, expense, and morbidity. ⋯ Those who responded to our survey support the development of standard connectors for implanted stimulators, with voluntary compliance by manufacturers, to mitigate the need for adapters and facilitate interchanging components when appropriate. Other advantages to patients and manufacturers might accrue from the adoption of standards, as technology evolves and diversifies.
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Recent years have brought new developments in interventional chronic pain management, namely regenerative orthopedics utilizing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as well as further evolution of pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation (PRF). Both methods have been used separately. Here, we investigated whether PRF may potentiate the activation of platelets in PRP samples when both these techniques are combined together in in vitro conditions. ⋯ We confirmed that PRF may activate PRP without additional platelet activators. So, a combination of both methods PRF and PRP application may provide a more effective opportunity for tissue regeneration in dentistry, surgery, dermatology, or in orthopedics.
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Meditation has been shown to improve outcomes for chronic pain by increasing patients' awareness of their own bodies. Some patients have an innate ability to leverage their mind-body connection, and this interoceptive awareness may aid them in garnering pain relief. We explored whether spinal cord stimulation (SCS) patients with greater innate awareness had better outcomes. ⋯ Higher interoceptive awareness in SCS patients correlated with greater improvement following the procedure, particularly with regards to pain relief and pain catastrophizing. These findings suggest that patients with better mind-body connections may achieve greater pain relief following SCS in this patient population, thereby aiding providers in determining who may benefit from this intervention.
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A recent approach to treatment of cluster headaches (CH) employs a microstimulator device for on-demand neuromodulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) during an acute CH attack. A precise anatomical localization of the SPG within the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is optimal in order to position the SPG electrode array. This study aims to investigate a novel approach for SPG localization using computed tomography angiographic studies (CTA). ⋯ Since localization of SPG on CTAs is feasible and reproducible, it has future clinical potential to aid placement, optimal positioning and individualized programming of the electrode array.