Low Frequency Alternating Current Block - A New Method to Stop or Slow Conduction of Action Potentials

Finding a safe and effective method for blocking nerve fibers has been of particular interest of researchers in recent years. This paper presents a novel method of using low frequency alternating current to block nerve fibers. Presented are examples of phasic block in in-vivo earthworms, ex-vivo can...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Horn, M. Ryne, Ahmed, Chandrama, Yoshida, Ken
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Action potentials
Animals
Bioelectric phenomena
Electric potential
Electrodes
Instruments
Mathematical model
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:Finding a safe and effective method for blocking nerve fibers has been of particular interest of researchers in recent years. This paper presents a novel method of using low frequency alternating current to block nerve fibers. Presented are examples of phasic block in in-vivo earthworms, ex-vivo canine vagus and in-silico simulations using low frequency alternating current. Using this method onset activation, seen in kilohertz frequency block, is not seen. Blocking was achieved approximately 100 microamperes, in some cases, as opposed to milliamperes, reducing the possibility of toxic free radical buildup which eventually irreversibly damages the nerve. This paper provides evidence of a safe, effective and low power method for blocking nerve fibers.
ISSN:1948-3554
DOI:10.1109/NER.2019.8717160