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Influence of temperature on pudendal nerve block induced by high frequency biphasic electrical current
Changfeng Tai1, Jicheng Wang, Michael B Chancellor
1Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA. cftai@pitt.edu
Purpose:
We determined the influence of temperature on the minimal stimulation frequency required to block pudendal nerve conduction.
Materials And Methods:
The pudendal nerve block induced by high frequency, biphasic electrical current was investigated at different temperatures using cats under alpha-chloralose anesthesia. Urethral pressure was measured to indicate pudendal nerve activation or block.
Results:
As stimulation frequency was increased above a frequency threshold, the urethral pressure response was decreased and the pudendal nerve was blocked. The minimal stimulation frequency required to block the pudendal nerve was decreased from 6 to 4 kHz as the temperature was decreased from 37C to 15C. At a 4 kHz frequency the maximal temperature below which the pudendal nerve could be blocked was 24.5C.
Conclusions:
To block pudendal nerve conduction at body temperature (37C) the stimulation frequency must be greater than 6 kHz. This study provides a practical guide for blocking the pudendal nerves to restore efficient voiding after spinal cord injury.
