Pain StimulatorBryan Eckerle1, Katharine McFadden1, Adam Platt1, Elizabeth Slyziuk2, Jennifer Wells1
Advisors: Paul King, Ph.D.1 and Stephen Bruehl, Ph.D.3 1Vanderbilt University Department of Biomedical Engineering2Vanderbilt University Department of Mechanical Engineering
3Vanderbilt University Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology
Numerical Pain Rating
Numerical Pain Rating
Numerical Pain Rating
Numerical Pain Rating
Screening and Questionnaires
5 Min. RestingBP Assessment
Assess Baroreceptor Sensitivity (BRS)
15 Min.Seated Rest
5 Min.Seated Rest
Insert Cannula
AssessEmotions
(EAS)
PlasmaSample
Drug or Placebo Infusion
Over 10 Min.
30 Min.Adaptatio
n
Assess EAS andSide Effects
PlasmaSample
Assess BRS:5 Min. Seated Rest
5 Min.Rest
Insert FingerAdjust &
Apply Pressure
20 Min. Seated Rest
15s
15s 15s 15s ManualData Entry& Analysis
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Dr. Bruehl’s main objective is to understand endogenous pain regulatory mechanisms in humans, with particular interest in the relationship between blood pressure, acute pain sensitivity, and chronic pain. He is currently studying the effects of Yohimbine, a selective α-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, to understand the role of the adrenergic system in regulation of pain pathways. He is using a device based on the original Forgione-Barber Finger Pressure Stimulator to stimulate C-fibers. The device has a fixed amount of weight attached to a lever with an unknown amount of pressure being applied to the dorsal surface of the second phalanx of the index finger. It is mounted on a table that does not allow for adjustments to accommodate variance in subject height or forearm length. Additionally, the system does not include an electronic output. The administrator asks the subject for a numerical pain rating on a scale from 0 to 100, anchored with “no pain” and “worst pain imaginable,” thus creating a numerical bias. Our objective is to create an adjustable, electronically integrated, and standardized acute pain stimulus to compare responses under placebo and under blockade of various receptors.
IMPROVEMENTS•ELECTRONIC OUTPUT using LabVIEW 7.1
Automated Timer Digital Data StorageDigital Display Ability to Export data for further statistical
analysis Graphical Output Automated Start of Data Acquisition (contact
switch)Audiovisual Cues
•AdjustabilityHand Dominance Forearm LengthSubject Height Adjustable Weight Applied directly over
Contact Point•Pain Reading
Linear Potentiometers eliminate numerical bias
SYSTEM SCHEMATIC
Circuit sensitivity = .6V/cm @ Vs=5V
Potentiometer sensitivity= 1500Ω/cm
PC Computer
LabVIEW 7.1
USB DAQNI 6009
DEVICE
Potentiometer Circuits
Contact Switch Circuit
IMPROVED EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
EXAMPLE OF PREVIOUS DATA
Subject Number 008 NO GRAPHICAL OUTPUT
Reported Pain Level: 30, 50, 65, 90 MANUAL DATA ENTRY NECESSARY
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT•National Instruments LabVIEW Version 7.1.1
•National Instruments USB-6009 Data Acquisition Device
•Mouser Electronics 60mm Linear 10k Taiwan Alpha Slide Potentiometer
Pain Reading vs. TimeSubject 008
0
20
40
60
80
100
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Time (sec)
Pai
n R
ead
ing
Pain Reading vs. TimeSubject 008
0
20
40
60
80
100
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Time (sec)
Pai
n R
ead
ing
RESULTS
Time, sec 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Pain Level 06.34
12.2
19.4
29.7
39.8
53.7
64.2
76.3
88.1
98.2 100
PREVIOUS DEVICE IMPROVED DEVICE
APPROACHES CONSIDERED
Vibration, thermal and electrical stimuli were considered, but ultimately rejected in order to maintain pressure stimulus of C-fibers. A pneumatic pressure device was also considered, but rejected for the stable and reliable lever system already in place. PROJECT DELIVERABLES•Modified version of Forgione-Barber Finger Pressure Stimulator
•Software for data acquisition
•Vertically adjustable medical table
•Sliding scales to eliminate number bias
•Integrated system: device mounted to table, connected to sliding scale and software
CONCLUSION
Design specifications were met so that the experiment is adjustable for subject variance, automated, and electronically integrated. The study is improved as a result.
Screening and Questionnaires
5 Min. RestingBP Assessment
Assess Barorecptor Sensitivity (BRS)
15 Min.Seated Rest
5 Min.Seated Rest
Insert Cannula
AssessEmotions
(EAS)
PlasmaSample
Drug InfusionOver 10 Min.
30 Min.Adaptatio
n
Assess EAS andSide Effects
PlasmaSample
Assess BRS:5 Min. Seated Rest
5 Min.Rest
Insert FingerAdjust &
Apply Pressure
20 Min. Seated Rest
LabVIEW collects data for 1 minute, data is saved and exported for future statistical analysis
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE