Comparison of Wire and Disc Electrodes to Electrically Activate the Inspiratory Muscles in Dogs

J Neurosci Methods, 2021 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109176 · Published: June 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study compares the effectiveness of using wire electrodes (WE) versus disc electrodes (DE) to stimulate the inspiratory muscles through high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) in dogs. The researchers found that specific configurations of WE could achieve comparable inspiratory muscle activation to DE, which is significant because WE can be inserted using minimally invasive techniques. The study also explored both monopolar and bipolar stimulation methods, finding that bipolar stimulation could effectively activate inspiratory muscles without needing a separate ground electrode, potentially limiting current spread.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

5 adult male mongrel dogs

Evidence Level

Animal study

Key Findings

1
Specific configurations of wire electrodes (WE) provide comparable activation of the inspiratory muscles compared to disc electrodes (DE).
2
Inspiratory muscle activation can be achieved with bipolar stimulation, eliminating the need for surgical placement of a separate ground electrode.
3
Monopolar stimulation with parallel WE connected together to function as a common cathode (Y-connection) resulted in airway pressure similar to that generated with monopolar stimulation with DE.

Research Summary

This study compared wire and disc electrodes for activating inspiratory muscles via high-frequency spinal cord stimulation in dogs, finding wire electrodes equally effective. The research demonstrated that specific wire electrode configurations, which can be placed using minimally invasive techniques, achieve comparable inspiratory muscle activation to disc electrodes. The study also showed that bipolar stimulation with wire electrodes is effective, removing the need for a separate ground electrode and potentially reducing current spread, which could improve the method's safety and practicality.

Practical Implications

Minimally Invasive Technique

Wire electrodes can be placed using minimally invasive techniques, reducing surgical time, blood loss, and risk compared to disc electrodes.

Improved Patient Acceptance

The minimally invasive nature of wire electrode placement is likely to improve patient and physician acceptance of spinal cord stimulation for restoring breathing.

Potential for Clinical Trials

The findings support the use of bipolar wire electrode technology in clinical trials for ventilator-dependent SCI patients, potentially leading to a more effective and safer method of inspiratory muscle activation.

Study Limitations

1
SCS in the T2-T3 region may have also resulted in unwanted side effects such as activation of non-inspiratory muscles.
2
It was not possible to evaluate the wide variety of WE lead sizes, contact spacings, contact sizes and configurations including single or parallel wire leads connected as monopolar, bipolar, tripolar and variations in electrode spacing.
3
Studies were performed in a small number of animals.

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