Experimental reduction of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) using pre-excitation targeting of the potassium system (PRE-TAPS)

Motivation: Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) limits the current generation of MRI gradient coils. We seek a sequence-based approach to improve scanner performance without hardware changes. Goal(s): Experimentally demonstrate that pre-excitation targeting of the potassium system (PRE-TAPS) using a kHz-frequency preconditioner waveform can be used to increase PNS thresholds. Approach: We measure changes in the PNS threshold of a 1.1kHz frequency probe waveform when a 10kHz preconditioner waveform is played immediately before the probe waveform and compare measured results to our model predictions. Results: We found up to 10% greater PNS thresholds using PRE-TAPS in one subject and qualitative agreement with our PNS model. Impact: Waveform-based modulation of PNS thresholds, such as pre-excitation targeting of the potassium system (PRE-TAPS) with a kHz-frequency preconditioner waveform, may enable increased performance in PNS-limited sequences such as EPI.