The Stimuplex HNS11 offers feature enhancements such as:

• Selectable stimulus pulse duration: 0.1ms, 0.3ms, or 1.0ms
   
• Switchable linear current range - from 0-1 mA or from 0-5 mA - enabling increased accuracy when stimulating at low current levels
   
• Two different display modes: desired current setting, or actual current delivery to patient
   

0.1ms = Motor Nerve Response
A short, rectangular pulse width duration of 0.1ms targets A alpha large nerve fibers to generate pain free motor responses in the patient.

0.3ms = Motor + Sensory Nerve Response
Selecting a pulse duration of 0.3ms may enable selective stimulation of motor fibers with minimal unpleasant sensations for the patient. Blockade performance time may also be shortened by use of a longer pulse duration of 0.3ms¹.

An abstract was presented at ASRA 2002 in Chicago describing potential advantages of longer pulse durations in diabetic patients with peripheral polyneuropathies.
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1.0ms = Sensory Nerve Response
In addition, pure sensory nerves (e.g. lateral femoral cutaneous nerve) can be located using a longer pulse duration of 1.0 ms to stimulate sensory fibers.

Click on the link to review an abstract from ASRA 2002 describing sensory nerve stimulation.
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If you perform diagnostic blockade of sensory nerves prior to therapeutic procedures in your pain clinic, then the ability of the HNS11 to localize sensory nerves with a pulse duration of 1.0ms will be useful.

The HNS11 works with the new D Series Stimuplex needles, but is also compatible with the Stimuplex A series needles currently on your shelf.

The special insulation coating of the D Series needles exposes only the pin point tip of the needle. This concentrates the entire stimulus current at the extreme needle tip. This coating technology enables precise nerve localization at the lowest threshold currents.

The extremely narrow threshold curves generated by the HNS11 stimulator enables close estimation of the distance between the needle tip and the target nerve.

The D Series needles will be available in a variety of procedural lengths to suit practically all indications in plexus anesthesia. You also have your choice of 15° or 30° bevels according to your personal preference of puncture force and gliding characteristics.

An additional optional component for the HNS11 is a steam sterilizable control knob. This knob enables the solo operator to manipulate the current range of the stimulator without breaking sterile technique.

Besides the new features noted above, the HNS11 also contains a common heritage of core features:

• Special circuitry that generates a constant stimulating current despite variable tissue resistance encountered
   
• Low current range — 0 - 5 mA — to minimize potential for nerve trauma
   
• Short stimulus pulse duration: 0.1ms to trigger motor nerve response, not sensory (HNS11 also allows 0.3 ms and 1.0ms)
   
• Low battery indicator
   
• Audio and LED alerts to indicate open or closed circuit connections
   

For a more detailed explanation of the electrophysiology of peripheral nerve stimulation and nerve stimulators, please click here.

Technical Data:
Instrument type:	BF
Battery:	9V
Power consumption:	3.3mA
Stimulation current:	max. 5mApp / 0Ω - 12 kΩ
Stimulation voltage:	max. 65Vpp
Stimulation frequency:	1 Hz / 2 Hz switchable
Measuring tolerance:	Adjustment control display = 3% (set point) Flowing current display = 2% (actual value) based on set mA values (5 mA or 1 mA)
Stimuplex HNS11 Operation Manual   (262k)