NEC Seminar: Friday, January 26, 9:00 AM
Speaker: Shane Bender
Advisor: Dr. T. Vrabec
Abstract:
The use of electrical current to modulate neurons for autonomic regulation requires the ability to both up-regulate and down-regulate the nervous system. Stimulation of autonomic nerves at frequencies in the range 1-30 Hz has been a well-established technique for increasing neural activity. Kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) and direct current (DC) nerve blocks are proven techniques for blocking action potential conduction to reduce neural activity. Additionally, both KHFAC and DC block efficacy can be reliably modulated by simple amplitude modulation, while stimulation effects can be modulated with either amplitude or frequency changes. Combining these techniques to modulate the parasympathetic and sympathetic inputs to the heart offers the potential for a robust control scheme that can respond to cardiac health conditions in real-time with precision and adaptability that cannot be achieved by pharmaceuticals or surgical interventions alone.