Parameter selection and electrode placement of neuromuscular electrical stimulation apparatus

摘要

A method of neuro-muscular electrical stimulation for treatment and prevention of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism employs electrodes attached to an anterior portion of a patient's knee, immediately proximal the common peroneal nerve. Electrical stimulation is comprised of trains of pulse modulated sinusoids where each pulse has a rise time of about 1 second, a fall time of about 0.5 seconds, and a plateau (on time) of about 1 to 10 seconds. Peroneal nerve stimulation is achieved thereby causing passive stretching of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (major posterior calf muscles) rather than a contraction for creating a blood pumping action.