RT Book, Section A1 Freeman, Brian S. A2 Freeman, Brian S. A2 Berger, Jeffrey S. SR Print(0) ID 1135738660 T1 Use of Peripheral Nerve Stimulators T2 Anesthesiology Core Review: Part Two Advanced Exam YR 2016 FD 2016 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781259641770 LK accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1135738660 RD 2024/03/29 AB Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a technique designed to localize plexuses or other larger peripheral nerves. It facilitates the placement of a needle close to the target nerve in order to deposit local anesthetic for conduction blockade (anesthesia and/or analgesia). Until the use of nerve stimulation became widespread in the 1990s, peripheral nerve blocks were traditionally performed using a technique in which subjective paresthesias were intentionally elicited. In contrast, PNS does not depend on patient cooperation for effective nerve localization. Direct electrical stimulation of the nerve produces a reliable and objective endpoint: an evoked motor response (muscle twitch). PNS can be used for both single-injection nerve blocks and insertion of continuous nerve block catheters. Today, it is usually combined with ultrasound guidance for the administration of regional anesthesia.