Modeling the response of small myelinated axons in a compound nerve to kilohertz frequency signals.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

There is growing interest in electrical neuromodulation of peripheral nerves, particularly autonomic nerves, to treat various diseases. Electrical signals in the kilohertz frequency (KHF) range can produce different responses, including conduction block. For example, EnteroMedics' vBloc^® therapy for obesity delivers 5 kHz stimulation to block the abdominal vagus nerves, but the mechanisms of action are unclear.

Approach

We developed a two-part computational model, coupling a 3D finite element model of a cuff electrode around the human abdominal vagus nerve with biophysically-realistic electrical circuit equivalent (cable) model axons (1, 2, and 5.7 µm in diameter). We developed an automated algorithm to classify conduction responses as subthreshold (tran

SUBMITTER: Pelot NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5677574 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature