06-07: Hi-Volt

Question 1

Terms referring to Hi-Volt (2)

Answer 1

• High Volt = High-volt pulsed current

- HVPC = High-voltage pulse galvanic current

Question 2

Characteristics of HV Current

Answer 2

• Twin peak (pair of monophasic spike waveforms)
• Monophasic (will have anode and cathode)
• Pulsed

Question 3

Difference between hi-volt and other stimulators

Answer 3

• Produces high, electromotive forces

Question 4

Monopolar positioning

Answer 4

• 1 large, dispersive pad/electrode away from target area
• 1, 2 or 4 active electrodes placed on target area
• Active electrode positive or negative depending on treatment goals
• Phase duration: 5-20 microsec. (preset in most machines)

Question 5

Hi-Volt Delivery (3)

Answer 5

• Continuous: Continuous, uninterrupted flow of pulsatile current during entire treatment
• Reciprocating: More than one active electrode current, volt will alternate between the active electrodes and will be the same throughout treatment to the dispersive electrode
• Surge: Changes amplitude of pulse so each successive pulse increases to a peak (similar to ramp-up)

Question 6

Uses of Hi-Volt

Answer 6

• HVPC can stimulate both sensory and motor nerves

- Pain modulation, activation of skeletal muscle, tissue healing for wound treatment

Question 7

Indications for Hi-Volt

Answer 7

• Wound management
• Pain management
• Soft tissue edema
• Levator ani syndrome
• Muscle spasm
• Muscle weaknes
• Bell’s Palsy

Question 8

Contraindications for Hi-Volt

Answer 8

• Cardiac pacemaker
• Heavy scarring tissue
• Malignancy
• Over pregnant uterus
• Over anterior transcervical area
• Over osteomyelitis

Question 9

Parameters for Hi-Volt

Answer 9

• Pulse duration: 100-200 microsec.

- Voltage: 150-500V

Question 10

Setup and Parameters for Wound Healing

Answer 10

• Wash hands, don PPE
• Prepare for 1) comfort, 2) wound clean from exudate or foreign material
• One electrode over wound and surrounding healing tissue (3 cm from wound) - warm sterile gauze and sponge
• Polarity: reversal mode = 50% Rx negative polarity (on site), 50% Rx positive polarity (away from site)
• Frequency: 30-200 pps
• Amplitude: 1-500V
• Treatment: 10-60 minutes, 5-7x/wk