| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080312551 | Controller for Neuromuscular Testing - A peripheral nervous system (PNS) neuromuscular disorder testing system incorporates a testing apparatus that is affixed to a patients skin, positioning a stimulus transducer (e.g., electrical contact(s), movable sharp point, etc.) into a nerve pathway of interest with an electrode and reference electrodes appropriately positioned relative thereto to measure the electrical signal produced. A wireless connection to a control box relays the data associated with the time of the stimulus and the sensed response to a diagnostic system that analyzes the waveform per selectable testing protocols with user tailorable view capabilities and data dissemination communication paths. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090030337 | Methods for the assessment of neuromuscular function by F-wave latency - Methods are provided for the assessment of neuromuscular function by F-wave latency. Stimuli are applied to a nerve that traverses a wrist or an ankle joint of an individual. Stimulation of the nerve causes a muscle innervated by that nerve to respond, thereby generating a myoelectric potential. One component of the myoelectric potential is the F-wave component. The F-wave latency between application of the stimulus and the detection of the myoelectric potential is used to provide an assessment of a neuromuscular function of the nerve and/or muscle. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090048531 | DERMATOMAL SOMATOSENSORY EVOKED POTENTIAL (DSSEP) APPARATUS FOR REAL TIME NERVE ROOT FUNCTION DIAGNOSIS IN SURGICAL AND CLINICAL SITUATIONS - A dermatomol somatosensory evoked potential (DSSEP) diagnositic apparatus for evaluating nerve root functions in a mammalian subject is presented. The DSSEP apparatus includes an electrical stimulator, a stimulus site selector switchbox, a connection box, a plurality of stimulating electrodes, a plurality of recording electrodes, a computer system, and a software package. The stimulating electrodes are configured to receive and to apply an electrical stimulus onto a dermal stimulation site of the mammalian subject. The recording electrodes are configured to receive an evoked potential induced by the applied electrical stimulus such that the evoked potential response passes through nerves from the dermal stimulation site to the dermal recording site. The computer system and software package process the results. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090054804 | Neurophysiologic monitoring system - The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090062685 | ELECTRO-OPTICAL SENSOR FOR PERIPHERAL NERVES - Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is employed to examine the neuronal activity and vascular response of a peripheral nerve for research or clinical purposes. An embodiment for implementing this approach has: a nerve stimulator; a tissue spectrometer; a stimulation probe adapted to apply a stimulation from the nerve stimulator to a peripheral nerve; at least one illumination optical fiber, where each illumination optical fiber is adapted to transmit a near-infrared source light to the peripheral nerve after the stimulation is applied; and a detection optical fiber adapted to collect and deliver to the tissue spectrometer a returning light from the peripheral nerve after each source light is transmitted to the peripheral nerve. The returning light has a returning intensity, and the tissue spectrometer can determine the returning intensity to provide readings of optical diffuse reflectance of the peripheral nerve after the stimulation is applied. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090131813 | Method and apparatus for augmenting nerve stimulation and response detection - Apparatus for use in nerve conduction testing where a stimulating electrode is used to electrically stimulate a nerve and a detection electrode is used to detect an evoked neurological response, the apparatus comprising:
| 05-21-2009 |
| 20090177112 | System and Methods for Performing Neurophysiologic Assessments During Spine Surgery - The present invention relates generally to an algorithm aimed at neurophysiology monitoring, and more particularly to an algorithm capable of quickly finding stimulation thresholds over multiple channels of a neurophysiology monitoring system. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090198147 | AUTONOMIC NERVE ACTIVITY MEASURING APPARATUS AND AUTONOMIC NERVE ACTIVITY MEASURING METHOD - An autonomic nerve activity measuring apparatus includes: a pulse wave acquiring unit, configured to acquire at least two pulse wave signals from a living body; an electric stimulation unit, configured to apply electric stimulation to the living body; a comparison unit, configured to compare the pulse wave signals acquired by the pulse wave acquiring unit; and an analysis unit, configured to analyze comparison result provided by the comparison unit. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090299213 | Nanobioelectronics - The present invention generally relates to nanobioelectronics and, in some cases, to circuits comprising nanoelectronic elements, such as nanotubes and/or nanowires, and biological components, such as neurons. In one aspect, cells, such as neurons, are positioned in electrical communication with one or more nanoscale wires. The nanoscale wires may be used to stimulate the cells, and/or determine an electrical condition of the cells. More than one nanoscale wire may be positioned in electrical communication with the cell, for example, in distinct regions of the cell. However, the nanoscale wires may be positioned such that they are relatively close together, for example, spaced apart by no more than about 200 nm. The nanoscale wires may be disposed on a substrate, for example, between electrodes, and the cells may be adhered to the substrate, for example, using cell adhesion factors such as polylysine. Also provided in other aspects of the invention are methods for making and using such devices, kits for using the same, and the like. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299214 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUANTITATIVE NERVE LOCALIZATION - A method for localizing a needle to a nerve, the method comprising:
| 12-03-2009 |
| 20100010369 | NERVOUS SYSTEM MONITORING METHOD - A method for monitoring the response of a nervous system of a body to a stimulus. The method comprises collecting a set of voltage measurements between selected areas on a surface of the body whilst current is being passed between selected regions of the surface of the body. The set of voltage measurements is collected over a predetermined measurement period, the predetermined measurement period is based upon a time after application of the stimulus, and the collected voltage measurements are compared with reference measurements to determine normal or abnormal response of the nervous system. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100056948 | Stimulation of Satiety Hormone Release - The present invention provides, among other things, a site specific way to enhance a natural hormonal response to nutrients entering the small intestine after gastric emptying, thereby providing therapeutic value for obesity or diabetic patients. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprising applying a first electrical stimulus to a tissue in the lumen of the gastrointestinal system of the subject contemporaneously with the contacting of L-cells of the tissue with a nutrient stimulus. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for predicting patient response to a weight loss surgery comprising applying a first electrical stimulus to a tissue of the gastrointestinal system of said patient contemporaneously with the contacting of L-cells of the tissue with a nutrient stimulus, assessing the effect of the electrical stimulus in said patient, and, correlating said effect to said patient's response to a weight loss surgery. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100069783 | SURGICAL ACCESS SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100081963 | Improved sensors and sensing for monitoring neuromuscular blockade - Improved sensors and sensing methods for detection of Neuromuscular Blockade (NMB), for example to improve monitoring generally, as well as facilitate automated NMB drug administration. The methods, systems, devices, etc., herein can increase the quantity and quality of data available. The methods, etc., include translation between commonly available sensing types, use of partially saturated sensor measurements, use of a model of neurotransmitter storage and release and sophisticated use of more than one sensor simultaneously. These methods are aided by new sensors and methods of decreasing electrical noise. An implementation of the methods, systems, devices, etc., herein is automated drug delivery for NMB, whether through an advisor system or through with full computer control. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100145221 | NERVE ELECTRODE - A nerve monitoring system facilitates monitoring an integrity of a nerve. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100145222 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A NERVE - A nerve monitoring system facilitates monitoring an integrity of a nerve. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100198102 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REDUCING MUSCLE TENSION THROUGH ELECTRICAL MANIPULATION - A method and device for reducing muscle tension through electrical manipulation applies a low level current to muscles of a user. Each muscle has two electrodes applied thereto, one for passing the current from the device to the muscle, and the other for receiving the current from the muscle to complete the circuit. The device has several channels, one for each pair of electrodes, and current is passed through a muscle at a level below the threshold required to cause the muscle to contract. The device is programmed to automatically apply an alternating current at predetermined frequencies for predetermined time periods to each muscle of the user that is being treated. A method of diagnosing an ailment using the device is provided. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198103 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEURAL STIMULATION - A system and method of neural stimulation is disclosed, comprising the steps of electrically connecting at least one electrode to a first tissue, applying a stimulus to the at least one electrode, observing a response of a second tissue, identifying an electrode position on the first tissue wherein a desired response occurs on the second tissue when the stimulus is applied to the at least one electrode, and fixing the at least one electrode in place at the identified electrode position. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100249643 | Apparatus and method for performing nerve conduction studies with localization of evoked responses - An apparatus and method for detecting physiological function, for example, nerve conduction, is described. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a housing including a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site and a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site. The housing automatically positions the detector substantially adjacent to the second anatomical site when the stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to the first anatomical site. The detector contains a plurality of individual detection elements, whereby the response evoked by stimulation at the first anatomical site is measured using one or more of these detection elements at the second anatomical location. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100249644 | System and Methods for Performing Dynamic Pedicle Integrity Assessements - The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing dynamic pedicle integrity assessments involving the use of neurophysiology. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100286553 | Devices and Methods for Screening of Vagal Nerve Stimulation - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for screening vagus nerve stimulation to determine the potential efficacy of permanent stimulation systems. In one aspect, the system includes temporary electrode assemblies adapted for temporary placement on or in the body adjacent the vagus nerve. In another aspect, a method is provided to place a stimulating electrode adjacent the posterior of the carotid sheath. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100286554 | NEUROLOGIC MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, system, and products that allow for accurate localization, virtual depiction, and testing of nerve(s) or neural structures that course through or around a proposed surgical site are described. The method and system employs a variety of types of neurodiagnostic tests that incorporate sensory, motor, and mixed nerve conduction studies in an orthodromic and antidromic fashion as well as utilizing triggered electromyography. This method, system, and products allow for a much more specific and sensitive method to assess the baseline function and continued integrity of nerves and neural structures prior to, during, and after a surgical procedure. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100292606 | Signal Processing in Physiological Noise - The invention relates to systems and methods for estimating a response of at least a part of a physiological system to a first deterministic stimulus signal. The methods include separating a measured first signal into a plurality of segments, each segment representing a response of the physiological system to a corresponding portion of the first stimulus signal and generating a template signal representing the plurality of segments. The methods further include calculating a measure of similarity of each segment in the plurality of segments to the template signal to provide a set of scalar quantities, and determining a metric representing a characteristic of the response of at least a part of the physiological system to the first stimulus signal. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100317989 | Systems and Methods for Performing Neurophysiologic Assesments With Pressure Monitoring - Systems and methods for performing neurophysiologic assessments of neural tissue including nerve pathology monitoring which may or may not be augmented by adding the ability to assess or monitor the pressure being exerted upon a nerve or nerve root before, during and/or after retraction. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100324443 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING REACTION TIME - A manual neurological testing device for measuring a subject's reaction time comprising: a releasable holding member operable to be grasped by the subject; a stimulus device coupled with the releasable holding member, the stimulus device outputting a perceivable stimulus; and a measurement device coupled with the releasable holding member, the measurement device measuring the subject's reaction time for grasping the releasable holding member relative to the perceivable stimulus. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110009768 | METHOD OF STIMULATING AND RECORDING FROM ULNAR DORSAL CUTANEOUS SENSORY NERVE - A device to stimulate and measure a response from the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve of a patient may include a first surface electrode to apply a stimulating signal to the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve, a second surface electrode to record the response from the stimulating signal after applying the stimulating signal to the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve, and a third surface electrode to reference the stimulating signal. The second surface electrode may be placed over the fifth metacarpal joint, and the device may include a ground electrode positioned over the dorsal surface of the hand. The device may include a inactive stimulating electrode positioned near to the first surface electrode. The inactive stimulating electrode may be positioned within 3 cm of the first surface electrode, and the first electrode may be placed substantially above the tendon the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. The first electrode may be placed substantially at the level of styloid, and the second surface electrode may be placed in an area supplied by the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve. The first surface electrode may be placed substantially one proximal to styloid. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110028859 | Methods, Systems and Devices for Monitoring a Target in a Neural System and Facilitating or Controlling a Cell Therapy - Methods, systems and devices for monitoring a target in a neural system involve delivering inputs to and recording output responses from the neural system and obtaining I/O characterizations of the neural system both before and during or after a change is introduced to the system, for example, a change associated with a stem cell therapy. Baseline and therapeutic I/O characterizations are compared, and interpretations of the results of the comparison may be used to adjust some aspect of the therapy to facilitate it or control it. An implantable neurostimulator with the capability of delivering electrical stimulation to an electrode and of measuring and recording responses sensed from electrodes, where the electrodes are strategically positioned at or near the target, can be used to deliver an electrical stimulation input and record the output responses for the I/O characterizations. An implantable neurostimulator also may be used to affect a cell therapy by delivering electrical stimulation to the neural system to encourage stem cell differentiation. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110028860 | NEUROMONITORING SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS INSTRUMENTATION - A method and apparatus is provided that allow the surgeon and the IONM specialist to continuously get feedback on the relative proximity of instrumentation to a nerve and the health of this nerve. By using a coupling device that allows every instrument to be electrically stimulated, the surgeon, through the instruments, continuously sends a small electrical input into the patient's body. Depending on the relative proximity between this electrical stimulation and a nerve, a neuromonitoring modality is recorded through electrodes placed on the patient. This modality is read and analyzed by the IONM specialist. The characteristics of this response allow the IONM specialist to determine the health status and or location of the nerves. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110034826 | SURGICAL APPARATUS COMPRISING A NERVE TESTING DEVICE - A surgical apparatus for facilitating testing nerves during HF surgery. The surgical apparatus comprises a converter for converting a high-frequency treatment current into a nerve stimulating current. A controllable selector switch optionally feeds either the treatment current or the nerve stimulating current to the electrosurgical instrument. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110054346 | Systems and methods for Intra-operative semi-quantitative threshold neural response testing related applications - Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a means for determining, as an example, the health or location of nerves. A determination according to the present invention may include semi-quantitative threshold testing using intra-operative electrical stimulation to determine whether one or more nerves are functioning as expected. A determination according to the present invention may also be utilized to determine or predict the success of a surgical procedure that may affect the functioning of one or more nerves. Semi-quantitative analysis may be performed by comparing electrical stimulation intensity, or an approximation thereof, at which a threshold neural response is observed to an expected or previously applied electrical stimulation intensity, or an approximation thereof. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110060242 | Systems and methods for intra-operative stimulation within a surgical field - Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. Such improved assemblies may be utilized in embodiments of methods according to the present invention allowing, preferably by a single hand, manipulation, carrying, parameter adjustment and/or informational feedback generation from within a surgical field. Single-handed operation and easily identifiable feedback generation is desirable especially where focused attention is required, such as during surgery observed through a microscope. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110060243 | Systems and methods for intra-operative regional neural stimulation - Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a means for determining, as an example, the health or location of nerves. Generally, embodiments according to the present invention may be used to verify the absence of nerve tissue along a prospective incision location to avoid damage caused by such incision. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments according to the present invention may be used to locate and/or hone in on a more precise location of one or more nerves. Electrical stimulation may be applied to tissue in an iterative fashion in one or more desired patterns and at one or more stimulation intensities to determine one or more regional neural responses and one or more focused neural responses. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110071421 | Method for automated detection of A-waves - In one form of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting an A-wave, the method comprising:
| 03-24-2011 |
| 20110125051 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE STIMULATION - Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110190656 | ELECTRODE - An object of the present invention is to provide a microelectrode capable of recording action potentials of nerve cellsneurons as large-amplitude waveforms and being appropriate for multi-channeling. The electrode | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110196256 | PAIN SENSORY NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS - A pain sensory nerve stimulation apparatus includes: an electrode portion including: a first electrode, a tip end of which is adapted to be inserted into a skin; and at lease one second electrode which is disposed in a circumference of the first electrode without being electrically conductive with the first electrode, and which is adapted to be in contact with a skin; and a stimulation signal supplying unit, supplying a bipolar stimulation signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, the bipolar stimulation signal including a first waveform signal and a second waveform, the first waveform which is convex in a negative direction in the first electrode, the second waveform signal which is convex in a positive direction in the first electrode. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196257 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR NEURAL LOCALIZATION - Described herein are devices, systems and methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device or a region of a device. In general, a device for determining if a nerve is nearby a device includes an elongate body having an outer surface with one or more bipole pairs arranged on the outer surface. Bipole pairs may also be referred to as tight bipoles. The bipole pairs may be arranged as a bipole network, and may include a cathode and an anode that are spaced relatively close together to form a limited broadcast field. In general, the broadcast filed is a controlled or “tight” broadcast field that extends from the bipole pair(s). Methods of using these devices and system are also described. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110230785 | Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP) Automated Alert System - A processor, system, and method for alerting a surgeon to the potential of a peripheral sensory nerve injury is provided. The technology stimulates a peripheral nerve, such as the median nerve, proximate the wrist of a patient and registers the sensory evoked potential (SEP) using a cranium electrode. The SEP is analyzed to determine a slope of a portion of the SEP between the peak of the SEP and the trough of the SEP. The slope is compared to a baseline to determine whether the slope deviates a predetermined amount from the baseline slope, which is indicative of potential, imminent, or an actual positioning injury. When it is determined that the slope deviates a predetermined amount, an alarm is provided to the surgeon such that the surgeon can take corrective action. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110237974 | NEURAL MONITORING SYSTEM - A system for detecting the presence of a nerve within a subject includes a stimulator configured to provide a stimulus to a portion of the subject, a sensing device configured to be placed in communication with a muscle of the subject and to generate an output signal corresponding to a monitored parameter of the muscle, the sensing device including a mechanical sensor configured to monitor a mechanical parameter of the muscle, and a receiver configured to receive the output signal from the sensing device and to determine if the output signal corresponds to the stimulus provided by the stimulator. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110264002 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE FOR LOCATING AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION POINT AND METHOD - The invention relates to an electrical stimulation device ( | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110270119 | Devices And Methods For Nerve Mapping - One embodiment includes a method for monitoring nerve tissue which includes inserting a dilator into muscle, the dilator including first and second electrodes at the distal tip. While the dilator is in muscle, a system may communicate (a) a first series of unequal current amplitude applications (e.g., a serious including 0.5, 7, 3, 5 mA applications) to the first electrode to produce at least a first evoked potential (e.g., a MAP or NAP), and (b) a second series of unequal current amplitude applications to the second electrode to produce at least a second evoked potential. The method further includes sensing the first and second evoked potentials and determining a relative location of a nerve based on the sensing of at least one of the first and second evoked potentials. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270120 | INTERFACE MODULE FOR USE WITH NERVE MONITORING AND ELECTROSURGERY - Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270121 | System and Method for Determining Proximity Relative to a Nerve - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110275953 | Hearing Treatment In Patients With Questionable Cochlear Nerve Functionality - An intraoperative approach for objective determination of auditory nerve functioning is described. Following surgical removal of tumor tissue impairing auditory functioning of a patient, an electrode array having electrode contacts is intra-operatively inserted into the cochlea of the patient. A diagnostic stimulation signal is provided to the electrode contacts to stimulate auditory nerve tissue within the cochlea. And an electrically evoked functional response is measured of the auditory nerve tissue to the stimulation signal. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110288433 | Electromyography System - Methods for determining structural integrity of a bone within the spine of a patient, the bone having a first aspect and a second aspect, wherein the second aspect separated from the first aspect by a width and located adjacent to a spinal nerve. The methods involve (a) applying an electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (b) electrically monitoring a muscle myotome associated with the spinal nerve to detect if an onset neuro-muscular response occurs in response to the application of the electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (c) automatically increasing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus to until the onset neuro-muscular response is detected; and (d) communicating to a user via at least one of visual and audible means information representing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus which caused the onset neuro-muscular response. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20120016259 | Nerve Path Adaptable Nerve Testing Device - A visual distance nerve measuring electrode wire used to measure the length of electrical conduction of a nerve. The device includes a single flexible wire surrounded by an outer insulating sheath longitudinally aligned and surrounding the wire. An recording electrode is attached to one end of the wire and a plug connector that attaches to a suitable recording device is attached to opposite end of the wire. Formed on the insulating sheath are a plurality of small visual distance indicators formed on the wire at known distances and integrals. During use, the physician is able to accurate map the path of a nerve and determine the conductivity of the nerve at different points. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120022394 | Electromagnetic apparatus and method for nerve localization during spinal surgery - An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. The awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate. The awl in combination with an EMG detector connected to a patient is sensitive to the pedicle hole position with respect to adjacent nerves and reduces false placement failure. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120029382 | Electromyography System - Methods for determining structural integrity of a bone within the spine of a patient, the bone having a first aspect and a second aspect, wherein the second aspect separated from the first aspect by a width and located adjacent to a spinal nerve. The methods involve (a) applying an electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (b) electrically monitoring a muscle myotome associated with the spinal nerve to detect if an onset neuro-muscular response occurs in response to the application of the electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (c) automatically increasing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus to until the onset neuro-muscular response is detected; and (d) communicating to a user via at least one of visual and audible means information representing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus which caused the onset neuro-muscular response. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120046572 | Nerve stimulator measuring device - A nerve stimulator measuring device used to measure the length of electrical conduction of a nerve using a standard electrical nerve stimulator. The device includes a linear distance measuring device attached to the probes or the body of a standard electrical nerve stimulator. In one embodiment, the linear distance measuring device includes a housing mounted on one or both. Attached to the housing is a rotating wheel that is manually positioned over the skin and rotated as the handheld is moved over the skin. A display mounted on the housing is coupled to the wheel and use to indicate the total distance moved. The electrical nerve stimulator is then held so that the cathode probe is pressed against the skin over the nerve and adjacent to the desired distance shown on the tape. The electrical nerve stimulator is then activated and a reading is obtained. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120071784 | Instruments and Methods for Nerve Monitoring in Spinal Surgical Procedures - Systems and methods include an anchor engageable to a vertebra and an extender removably mounted to the anchor. The extender includes an insulating member extending at least partially thereabout to electrically insulate the extender and prevent shunting of electrical signals delivered through the extender to the anchor to structures adjacent the extender. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120089047 | CRYOABLATION APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR RENAL NEUROMODULATION - Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for cryogenically modulating neural structures of the renal plexus by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a cryo-applicator to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Cryogenic renal neuromodulation may be achieved via application of cryogenic temperatures to modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120101405 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING CUTANEOUS AFFERENT NERVE FIBER EXCITATION - Aspects of the invention relate to a device for predicting cutaneous afferent nerve fiber excitation from an electrical potential applied to a cutaneous tissue by an electrode and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, such devices and methods concern the electrical stimulation of nerves in the skin so as to ameliorate pain in a subject. Accordingly, methods making and using cutaneous electrodes are provided. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120109004 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MAPPING THE LOCATION OF A NERVE - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for mapping the location of a nerve. The apparatus includes at least one stimulation module, a stimulation detection module, a distance module, and a mapping module. The stimulation module stimulates a nerve with an electrical stimulation current from at least one stimulation electrode. A stimulation detection module detects a muscle reaction resulting from stimulation of the nerve by the at least one stimulation electrode. The distance module uses information from the at least one stimulation electrode and from the stimulation detection module to calculate a distance between the at least one stimulation electrode and the nerve. The mapping module maps a location on the nerve using at least two distances calculated by the distance module and position information of the at least one stimulation electrode for each of the at least two distances calculated. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120116244 | POSTURAL STABILITY IN PATIENTS HAVING A NEURO-DEGENERATIVE DISEASE USING A COMPUTATIONAL MODELING APPROACH TO DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION PROGRAMMING - A system and method can provide for conducting a stimulation of anatomic regions to treat a neuromotor, neurocognitive or neuromotor and neurocognitive disorder, according to which stimulation, motor regions are stimulated, while creep of current to non-motor regions is minimized. Stimulation parameters can be selected based on at least one dual task test that involves cognitive and motor functions, wherein the motor function is postural stability. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120123292 | Nerve Mapping Surgical System and Method of Use of Dual Function Surgical Instrument Within Such System - A surgical system has an electrode probe, an analyzer, a bipolar instrument, a bipolar power supply and a switch, the switch in communication with the analyzer, the bipolar power supply and the bipolar instrument, to permit alternate use of the bipolar instrument as a surgical instrument and use as an exploratory probe. An electrode probe delivery device has a base plate, an insertion guide connected to and extending from the base plate and formed for receipt of an electrode probe. A catheter on the device permits receipt of at least one electrode probe and a handle connects to the catheter and permits movement thereof such that the catheter is passable through the base plate for introduction into a patient. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123293 | MOTOR NERVE ROOT STIMULATION - A motor device for bypassing or bridging an area of neurological damage, including at least one electrode having an electric mechanism for generating electric current, and a programming mechanism for programming the electrode. A biofeedback system and an artificial spinal cord. A method of stimulating muscle in a person having neurological damage, by applying electric current to nerves, bypassing or bridging an area of neurological damage, and moving the muscle in a natural manner. Methods of moving muscles of a paraplegic, reducing or eliminating pain from an individual, and treating foot drop. A therapeutic method for exercising for an individual with neurological damage. A method of generating movement of muscle and sensing that movement in a person having neurological damage. A method of generating movement of muscle using information from the brain and sensing that movement in a person having neurological damage. A method of diagnosing neurological damage. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123294 | FLEXIBLE NEURAL LOCALIZATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device. The neural stimulation tools described herein are configured to be flexible and low-profile, so that they can be used within body regions that may be tortuous or difficult to reach, such as within a compressed or partially occluded neural foramen. In most cases, these tools described herein are ribbon-shaped and adapted to be manipulated bimanually, applying force to the ends of the devices from separate locations outside of the patient's body. Thus, the distal end region of the device may be configured to couple to the proximal end of a guidewire. One or more surfaces of the devices may include an electrode or multi-polar network of electrodes configured to stimulate only nerves within a predetermined distance of a particular face of the device. Methods of using these devices are described. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120130269 | INTEGRATED NERVE STIMULATION AND SKIN MARKING DEVICE AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A nerve identification device is shown and described. The device includes both a nerve stimulating electrode and a skin marking device. In certain applications, a user contacts the patient's skin with the nerve stimulating electrode to deliver nerve stimulation energy that evokes an electrical response from proximally located motor nerves. When nerves are detected, the user applies skin ink via the device to the user's skin to identify the location where nerves were found for subsequent use in a variety of therapeutic procedures such as surgical procedures, pain treatment procedures, degenerative nerve destruction procedures, and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120136276 | SYSTEM, METHOD, APPARATUS, DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING POSITIONING EFFECT - An automated system, method, apparatus, device and/or computer program product for detecting positioning effect is set forth, the apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment may include an output operable to couple to one or more stimulating electrodes to stimulate one or more peripheral nerves of the patient, an input operable to couple to one or more recording electrodes to record resultant electrical waveforms generated by a nervous system of a patient in response to the stimulating module, and one or more processors operable to identify the positioning effect based on the resultant electrical waveforms. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120143080 | Method and Apparatus for Fitting a Visual Prosthesis Using Electrically Evoked Electroretinograms - The invention is a method of automatically adjusting a retinal electrode array to the neural characteristics of an individual patient. By recording electrically evoked electroretinograms (eERG) to a predetermined input stimulus, one can alter that input stimulus to the needs of an individual patient. A minimum input stimulus is applied to a patient, followed by recording the eERG response to the input stimulus. By gradually increasing stimulus levels, one can determine the minimum input that creates a neural response, thereby identifying the threshold stimulation level. One can further determine a maximum level by increasing stimulus until a predetermined maximum neural response is obtained. However, eERG signals include a significant amount of noise. Applicants have developed novel techniques for artifact reduction and noise filtering to provide an accurate measure of neural activity. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120150063 | HANDHELD EMG STIMULATOR DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE SHAFT LENGTH - A nerve stimulating device with an adjustable length is shown and described. The device includes a handle and an elongated shaft with a stimulating electrode. The stimulating electrode can be selectively positioned to a plurality of distances relative to the handle. The device allows nerves in nerve regions at multiple positions relative to the surface of the patient's body to be stimulated with a single device. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120191002 | NEURAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A neural analysis system, including: | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120191003 | FLEXIBLE NEURAL LOCALIZATION DEVICES AND METHODS - Described herein are bimanually controlled neural localization devices capable of determining if a nerve is nearby a region of the device. In general, the device may include at least two electrodes including an anode in electrical communication with a anodal conductor and a cathode in electrical communication with a cathodal conductor. The device may further include a flexible elongate body, wherein the flexible elongate body has an axial length, a width and a thickness, wherein the axial length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the thickness and is greater than a width of the at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes may be disposed substantially in-line and centered along the length of the elongate body. In some embodiments, the device may further include a guidewire coupler at the distal end region of the elongate body. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120226186 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF ANALGESIA OF A SEDATED OR NARCOTIZED INDIVIDUAL - The invention pertains to a method for determining the level of analgesia of a sedated individual, to the use of an apparatus for determining the level of analgesia of a sedated individual (so called “pain monitor”), as well as the use of an evoked pain-specific reflex response of a sedated individual for determining the level of analgesia of a sedated individual. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120238902 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE STIMULATION - Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120253223 | Surgical Access and Nerve Surveillance - An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between adjacent petals, each petal comprising a nerve sensing electrode disposed therein. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120259239 | NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHODS WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - The present invention provides methods and apparatus that allow the surgeon and the IONM specialist to continuously get a feedback on the relative proximity from the instruments to a nerve and on the health of this nerve. By having a coupling device that allows every instrument to be electrically stimulated, the surgeon, through the instruments, continuously sends a small electrical input into the patient's body and depending on the relative proximity between this electrical stimulation and a nerve, a neuromonitoring modality is recorded through electrodes placed on the patient. The characteristics of this response allow the IONM specialist to determine the health status and or location of the nerves. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120277621 | DETERMINING NERVE LOCATION RELATIVE TO ELECTRODES - An implantable nerve stimulator is implanted in a patient near a nerve target. The implantable nerve stimulator has a plurality of electrodes through which stimulation is provided to the nerve target. The relative location of the nerve target and the electrodes may be determined by applying stimulation to the nerves via each of the electrodes, determining an effect of the stimulation for each of the electrodes, and mapping a location of the nerve relative to the electrodes based on the effect of the stimulation for each of the electrodes. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120289856 | SYMPATHETIC SKIN RESPONSE MEASURING APPARATUS - A sympathetic skin response measuring apparatus includes: a stimulation power supplying section configured to supply a power for stimulating only C fibers in a living body, to a stimulation electrode adapted to be applied to the living body; a measuring section configured to measure information of a sympathetic skin response based on a signal obtained from a measurement electrode adapted to be applied to the living body; and an outputting section configured to output the information measured by the measuring section. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120296232 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF ASSESSING TRANSVASCULAR DENERVATION - Embodiments of the invention provide catheter devices for assessing transvascular denervation. A method of assessing denervation comprises: introducing intravascularly a catheter to a vessel of a patient, the catheter including one or more recording elements; performing a baseline recording of responses by supplying nerve stimulation to the vessel and recording responses of the vessel to the nerve stimulation; denervating at least some tissue proximate the vessel after performing the baseline recording; performing a post-denervation recording of responses, after the denervating, by supplying nerve stimulation to the vessel and recording responses of the vessel to the nerve stimulation; and assessing denervation of the vessel based on a comparison of the responses of the baseline recording and the responses of the post-denervation recording. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120302912 | COLLECTION OF CLINICAL DATA FOR GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS - A method of treating a patient and an external programmer for use with a neurostimulator. Electrical stimulation energy is serially conveyed into tissue of the patient via different combinations of electrodes implanted within the patient, thereby creating one or more clinical effects for each of the different electrode combinations. An influence of each of the different electrode combinations on the clinical effect(s) is determined. A graphical indication of the one or more clinical effects is generated based on the determined electrode combination influences. A graphical representation of the electrodes is displayed. The graphical indication of the clinical effect(s) is displayed adjacent the graphical electrode representation, such that a user can view an extent to which each of the different electrode combinations influences the clinical effect(s). | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130012831 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR NEURAL LOCALIZATION - Described herein are devices, systems and methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device or a region of a device. In general, a device for determining if a nerve is nearby a device includes an elongate body having an outer surface with one or more bipole pairs arranged on the outer surface. Bipole pairs may also be referred to as tight bipoles. The bipole pairs may be arranged as a bipole network, and may include a cathode and an anode that are spaced relatively close together to form a limited broadcast field. In general, the broadcast filed is a controlled or “tight” broadcast field that extends from the bipole pair(s). Methods of using these devices and system are also described. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130053722 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting a Biomarker in the Presence of Electrical Stimulation - Various embodiments concern identifying a biomarker in the presence of electrical stimulation. Various embodiments concern delivering electrical stimulation to a patient and sensing one or more signals while the electrical stimulation is being delivered, the one or more signals including data indicative of physiological activity. Various embodiments further include determining an intensity of the electrical stimulation and determining whether the data indicates the presence of a biomarker based on a variable threshold, the variable threshold being variable based on the intensity of the electrical stimulation. Various embodiments concern determining a relationship between stimulation intensity and a biomarker parameter to determine the variability of the variable threshold. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130123659 | METHOD OF ASSESSING NEURAL FUNCTION - A method of determining a change in nerve function attributable to a surgical procedure includes assessing the nerve function via a first, induced mechanomyographic muscle response prior to the surgical procedure, and reassessing the nerve function via a second, induced mechanomyographic muscle response after the surgical procedure. Each mechanomyographic muscle response may be induced through an electrical stimulus provided directly to the nerve of the subject. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130158427 | CATHETER SET COMPRISING GUIDE WIRE - The present invention relates to a catheter set for nerve treatment used for delivering a stimulus or a drug to nerves in the human body. According to the present invention, the catheter set for nerve treatment includes: a catheter capable of delivering a drug to a target nerve through a tube line, having a tube shape; a cylindrical cannula for supporting the catheter when inserted into the body tissue while slidably accommodating the catheter inside; a conductive guide wire to be accommodated inside the catheter, having one exposed end; and a conductive first stimulator connector for delivering an electric stimulus to the one exposed end of the guide wire, electrically connected to the other end of the guide wire. Therefore, it is possible to accurately place the end of the catheter at the location of the target nerve, to prevent the end of the catheter from deviating from the target nerve during an operation, and to finely adjust the location of the catheter even after removing the cannula. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130165814 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING NERVE PROXIMITY, DIRECTION AND PATHOLOGY DURING SURGERY - The present invention involves systems and methods for determining nerve proximity, nerve direction, and pathology relative to a surgical instrument based on an identified relationship between neuromuscular responses and the stimulation signal that caused the neuromuscular responses. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130245490 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING TARGETED ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TO TISSUE - Provided is a system that may be used in delivering targeted electrical stimulation to tissue, such as animal bodily tissue. A system according to the present invention includes a longitudinal stimulation probe that includes a first electrode disposed at a distal tip and a second electrically conductive surface spaced proximally from the first electrode. Another system according to the present invention may include an improved user interface including an improved probe/handle interface including high visibility indication. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130289439 | STIMULATION PROBE FOR ROBOTIC AND LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - A stimulation probe includes a proximal end connector and a flexible wire coupled to the end connector. A handle is coupled to the wire and a needle extends from the handle and terminates at a conductive tip. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130303937 | USING INTERACTION TO MEASURE NEURAL EXCITATION - Assessment of neuron excitation is implemented by quantifying the interaction between focused and unfocused stimulation applied to a cochlear array. By applying focused and unfocused stimulation to the electrode array and comparing the difference in the responses to the two types of stimulation the interaction may be determined. The magnitude of the interaction may be related to neural excitation and using this data a neural excitation profile may be determined. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20140012157 | Monobody Sensors for Monitoring Neuromuscular Blockade - Improved sensors and sensing methods for detection of Neuromuscular Blockade (NMB), for example to improve monitoring generally, as well as facilitate automated NMB drug administration. The methods, systems, devices, etc., herein can increase the quantity and quality of data available. The methods, etc., include translation between commonly available sensing types, use of partially saturated sensor measurements, use of a model of neurotransmitter storage and release and sophisticated use of more than one sensor simultaneously. These methods are aided by new sensors and methods of decreasing electrical noise. An implementation of the methods, systems, devices, etc., herein is automated drug delivery for NMB, whether through an advisor system or through with full computer control. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140024963 | Surgical Access and Nerve Surveillance - An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between adjacent petals, each petal comprising a nerve sensing electrode disposed therein. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140058283 | METHOD OF DETECTING A SACRAL NERVE - A method of detecting the presence of a sacral nerve in a human subject includes providing an electrical stimulus within an intracorporeal treatment area of the human subject; detecting a physical response of at least one of an external sphincter of the bladder and an external sphincter of the anus; and providing an indication to a user if the detected physical response corresponds to the provided electrical stimulus. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058284 | NERVE MONITORING SYSTEM - A neural monitoring system includes a stimulator configured to provide an electrical stimulus within an intracorporeal treatment area of a subject, an elongate sphincter contraction sensor, and a receiver in communication with the sphincter contraction sensor. The elongate sphincter contraction sensor includes an elongate device body configured to be inserted within a sphincter of the subject and a force sensor in mechanical communication with the elongate device body. The force sensor is configured to provide a mechanomyography output signal in response to a contact force applied against the elongate device body by the sphincter. The receiver is configured to receive the mechanomyography output signal from the elongate sphincter contraction sensor and provide an indicator to a user based on at least a portion of the output of the sphincter contraction sensor. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058285 | LOCATION AND DEACTIVATION OF MUSCLES - Methods and devices for treatment to at least interfere with the function of a muscle are described herein. These methods and devices may have application in cosmetic and plastic surgery, dermatology, suppression of tension and/or migraine-type headaches, pain management, one particular application of the subject matter deals primarily with reducing wrinkles caused by ongoing muscular activation. The devices and methods described herein allow medical practitioners to effectively identify selective nerves for paralyzing muscles, without the need for injections of agents such as botulism toxin. Moreover, the devices and methods herein, may allow for artificial generation of signals in nerves that were otherwise damaged by stimulating transmission of nerve signals across damaged nerves. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140066802 | Cognition and Usability Aptitude Evaluations for Clinician Programmers - The present disclosure involves an electronic device. The electronic device is configured to perform evaluations on a patient user for medical purposes. The electronic device includes a touchscreen display configured to receive input from the user. The electronic device includes a memory storage component configured to store programming code. The electronic device includes a computer processor configured to execute the programming code to perform an evaluation of the user's mental and physical abilities. The evaluation includes prompting the user to perform a plurality of tasks. At least one of the tasks prompts the user to manipulate one or more graphical models shown on the touchscreen display according to predefined instructions. The evaluation includes detecting, via the touchscreen display, responses from the user for the tasks. The evaluation includes determining, based on the detected responses, whether the user is mentally and physically fit to provide reliable feedback to medical personnel. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066803 | METHOD FOR ANALYZING NERVE FIBER DISTRIBUTION AND MEASURING NORMALIZED EVOKED COMPOUND ACTION ELECTRIC POTENTIAL - A method for analyzing nerve fibers distribution is provided, including inputting a stimulation signal into a nerve tissue through at least two sensing and conducting electrodes, applying a stimulation signal ratio to control the stimulation signal using an electric current steering technique to electrically stimulate a plurality of nerve fibers within a plurality of stimulations areas of the nerve tissue; receiving a plurality of evoked compound action potentials (ECAP) using at least two sensing and conducting electrodes due to the nerve fibers electrically stimulated and computing a distance between the nerve fiber and the conducting electrodes including eliminating non-ideal effect caused by an electric potential attenuation factor, wherein the electric potential attenuation factor is a function of the distance between each of the conducting electrodes and the nerve tissue; and integrating and comparing the received ECAPs and analyzing the nerve fibers distribution of the nerve tissue. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140073985 | STIMULATION DEVICE ADAPTER - A stimulation device includes an adapter component to increase the usability of the stimulation device. The adapter may be a bipolar adapter arranged to connect to the housing of the stimulation device. The adapter may include a clip having a first channel configured to receive an operative element therein and a second channel having a return operative element therein. The return operative element is in electrical communication with an electrical circuit of said stimulation control device. Alternatively, the adapter may be a percutaneous adapter comprising a connector configured to connect to an operative element of a stimulation device and a lead wire connected to the connector. A needle may be connected to the lead wire to deliver a electrical stimulation signal to a target tissue located beneath the skin of a subject patient. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140073986 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING NEURAL HEALTH - A method of identifying a change in the health of a nerve during a surgical procedure includes determining a sensitivity of the nerve at a first time, determining a sensitivity of the nerve at a second time, and providing an indication to a user corresponding to a change in the sensitivity of the nerve from the first time to the second time. In each instance, the sensitivity of the nerve is determined by providing an electrical stimulus via an electrode disposed on a distal end portion of an elongate medical instrument, and monitoring a magnitude of a mechanical response of a muscle innervated by the nerve. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140107524 | NEUROMUSCULAR MONITORING DISPLAY SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is a system for displaying a degree of neuromuscular block in a patient. An example system can include: a display unit having a graphical user interface (GUI); a processor; and a memory. The system can be configured to: receive data in response to a pattern of stimuli applied to the patient according to a stimulation protocol; determine the degree of neuromuscular block based on the received data; display a numerical representation corresponding to the degree of neuromuscular block; display a graphical representation corresponding to the degree of neuromuscular block and display a timer related to the stimulation protocol. The numerical and graphical representations can be displayed in first and second regions of the GUI, respectively. Additionally, a display color of at least a portion of the first region, the numerical and graphical representations can be configured to dynamically change based on the degree of neuromuscular block. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140194771 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING NEURAL RECRUITMENT - An implantable device for estimating neural recruitment arising from a stimulus, has a plurality of electrodes. A stimulus source provides stimuli to be delivered from the electrodes to neural tissue. Measurement circuitry obtains a measurement of a neural signal sensed at the electrodes. A control unit is configured to control application of a selected stimulus to neural tissue using the stimulus electrodes; and after the selected neural stimulus, apply a probe stimulus having a short pulse width. A remnant neural response evoked by the probe stimulus is measured; and the control unit estimates from the remnant neural response a neural recruitment caused by the selected neural stimulus. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194772 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASUREMENT OF NEURAL RESPONSE - A device for measuring a neural response evoked by a stimulus. First and second sense electrodes are positioned at distinct locations along a neural pathway. A neural stimulus is applied and first and second recordings of a neural response evoked by the stimulus are obtained from the respective sense electrodes. The first recording and the second recording are compared to determine propagation properties of the evoked neural response. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140236042 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASUREMENT OF NEURAL RESPONSE - A method for estimating conduction velocity of a neural response. Measurements of the neural response are obtained from at least two electrodes which are at distinct locations along a neural pathway. A delay between the time of arrival of the neural response at each respective electrode is determined from the measurements. From the delay, and from knowledge of electrode spacing, a conduction velocity of the neural response is estimated. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140249446 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING SURGICAL PROCEDURES AND ASSESSMENTS - The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140276194 | AUTOMATED MEANS TO CONTROL RESPONSES TO REPETITIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND IMPROVE THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY - We report a method for optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of evoked responses elicited by one or more electrical impulses delivered to a neural structure, comprising: comparing a test evoked response to an evoked response elicited by therapeutically efficacious electrical stimulation; adjusting at least one parameter of the electrical impulses in response to a determination that said test evoked response is not similar to the therapeutic evoked response; determining that the test evoked response resembles the therapeutic evoked response after performing at least one of said adjustments; and saving to memory at least one adjusted parameter that increased the similarity between the test evoked response and the therapeutic evoked response. We also report a medical device system configured to implement the method. We also report a non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276195 | METHODS OF USING NERVE EVOKED POTENTIALS TO MONITOR A SURGICAL PROCEDURE - Methods for intra-operatively monitoring nerve evoked potentials such as somatosensory nerve evoked potentials during a surgical procedure. The methods include orthrodromic and antidromic monitoring of nerve evoked potentials. Monitoring includes navigating the surgical pathway to avoid insult to anatomical tissue, minimizing activation of sensory nerves that result in undesirable side effects in a patient, and determining the suitable location for placement of an implantable medical device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140296737 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASUREMENT OF NEURAL RESPONSE - A method for determining a desired location at which to apply a neural therapy. An array of electrodes is positioned proximal to neural tissue. A stimulus is applied from the array which evokes a neural compound action potential response in the neural tissue proximal to the array. A plurality of electrodes of the array simultaneously obtain respective measurements of the neural compound action potential response. From the measurements of the neural compound action potential response a desired location for a neural therapy is determined. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140296738 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PROXIMITY RELATIVE TO A NERVE - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140309548 | Implantable Multi-Electrode Device - The invention provides an implantable multi-electrode device ( | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140316298 | Electro-Therapeutic Stimulation - A method of electro-therapeutic stimulation uses an electrical signal with a periodic-exponential background pulse over a controllable periodic-exponential main pulse. By properly setting the signal and moving electrodes to proper locations on the body, the signal is used to electro-therapeutically return a patient to a state of neurological balance, to identify specific cellular disruption locations, to treat the identified cellular disruption locations including performing a pain associated movement, and to neurologically train from a facilitator muscle to one or more receiver muscles. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140323905 | STAPEDIUS REFLEX MEASUREMENT SAFETY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An exemplary stapedius reflex measurement safety system includes a stimulation management facility configured to direct a cochlear implant system to apply an electrical stimulus to an auditory pathway of a patient and a detection facility configured to determine that a change in acoustic immittance that occurs as the electrical stimulus is being applied by the cochlear implant system is likely representative of a rise time phase associated with an occurrence of a stapedius reflex within the patient. The stimulation management facility is further configured to direct, in response to the determination, the cochlear implant system to cease applying the electrical stimulus. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140371621 | Method and Apparatus for Autonomic Nervous System Sensitivity-Point Testing - A method for autonomic nervous system sensitivity-point testing on a skin of a patient is described. The method includes generating an electrotherapy signal that stimulates a vagal response of an autonomic nervous system of the patient when the patient is tested. The method further includes providing an electrically conductive tip that electrically contacts but does not puncture the skin when the patient is tested and coupling the electrotherapy signal to the electrically conductive tip. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140371622 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE REGIONAL NEURAL STIMULATION - Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a means for determining, as an example, the health or location of nerves. Generally, embodiments according to the present invention may be used to verify the absence of nerve tissue along a prospective incision location to avoid damage caused by such incision. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments according to the present invention may be used to locate and/or hone in on a more precise location of one or more nerves. Electrical stimulation may be applied to tissue in an iterative fashion in one or more desired patterns and at one or more stimulation intensities to determine one or more regional neural responses and one or more focused neural responses. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150032023 | ION IMBALANCE DETECTOR - In general, the invention is directed to methods and devices for determining an ion concentration in the extracellular fluid of a patient. As examples, the ion may be one or more of potassium, sodium, chloride, or calcium. A system includes an electrode deployed in or near a tissue, such as a skeletal muscle, of the patient. A pulse generator supplies one or more stimulations to the tissue, and a sensor, such as an accelerometer, detects the response of the tissue to the stimulations. A processor determines a concentration of ions in the extracellular fluid as a function of the response. The system may detect an ion imbalance based upon the determined concentration of ions. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150045693 | Measuring Device and Method for Indicating Level of Fatigue - Gradually strengthening electric stimulation impulses are sent to the median nerve at the wrist. Thereby an action potential caused on some level of the stimulation signal proceeds along the sensory nerve to the spinal cord, from where the nerve impulse (Hoffmann's reflex) returns via the alpha motor neuron pool along a motor nerve to a muscle and causes the movement of the muscle. This movement is detected by an accelerometer. The intensity of the stimulation signal and the time from the stimulation signal to the motoric response are saved, and by means of these the level of fatigue is evaluated. A device comprises a cuff with two electrodes and a current generator for forming impulses for the electrodes. The cuff can be placed on the wrist such that at least one of the electrodes is on the volar side of the hand at the point of the median nerve. The measuring device further comprises an accelerometer, that is provided to produce a signal, when the accelerometer detects a movement. The measuring device further comprises a control arrangement, which is provided for guiding the current generator to produce impulses and to monitor the signal of the accelerometer. The control arrangement stops the production of impulses, when the signal created by the accelerometer is detected, and saves the intensity value of at least the latest impulse and the time ΔT, which is the difference between the points of time of the signal produced by the accelerometer and said latest impulse. From these the value describing the level of fatigue can be calculated. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150051506 | NEURAL EVENT DETECTION - A neural monitoring system for detecting an artificially-induced mechanical muscle response to an electrical stimulus at a stimulation frequency includes a mechanical sensor and a processor in communication with the mechanical sensor. The mechanical sensor is configured to be placed in mechanical communication with the muscle and to generate a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a sensed mechanical movement of the muscle. The processor is configured to receive the mechanomyography output signal from the mechanical sensor and determine a frequency component of the mechanomyography output signal that has a peak magnitude and to detect the occurrence of an artificially-induced mechanical muscle response therefrom. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150051507 | NEURAL EVENT DETECTION - A neural monitoring system for detecting an artificially-induced mechanical muscle response to a stimulus provided within an intracorporeal treatment area includes a mechanical sensor and a processor in communication with the mechanical sensor. The mechanical sensor is configured to be placed in mechanical communication with the muscle and to generate a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a sensed mechanical movement of the muscle. The processor is configured to receive the mechanomyography output signal from the mechanical sensor and determine a frequency component of the mechanomyography output signal that has a peak magnitude and to detect the occurrence of an artificially-induced mechanical muscle response therefrom. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150057563 | METHOD OF CMAP MONITORING - A method and system for monitoring phrenic nerve function and preventing phrenic nerve injury during cardiac ablation. The system includes a pacing device operable to transmit stimulation energy to the phrenic nerve through target tissue proximate the phrenic nerve, a plurality of assessment electrodes operable to make comparisons between baseline, real-time, and predetermined threshold values for CMAP signal amplitude and amplitude over time. The processing device may be connected to an ablation console, and the processing device may interrupt or adjust an ablation procedure controlled by the ablation console and/or generate a system alert in response to one of these comparisons, if the comparison indicates phrenic nerve injury. The method includes applying stimulation energy to the phrenic nerve, recording diaphragmatic CMAP signals in response to the stimulation energy, and adjusting an ablation procedure and/or automatically generating a system alert in response to comparisons performed by the processing device. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057564 | Medical Insertion Apparatus - Provided are a medical insertion apparatus including a screw body to be inserted into a body, and a conductive portion provided in the screw body and including an externally exposed portion, wherein the conductive portion may extend in a longitudinal direction of the screw body and form a single closed loop, and a medical insertion apparatus including a screw body to be inserted into a body, a driver to engage with the screw body to be used to fasten or loosen the screw body, and a conductive portion provided in the screw body and the driver and including an externally exposed portion on one side of the screw body, wherein a portion of the conductive portion disposed in the screw body and another portion of the conductive portion disposed in the driver may be electrically connected to each other. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150088029 | NEURAL LOCATING SYSTEM - A neural monitoring system includes an elongate medical instrument, a non-invasive mechanical sensor, and a processor. The elongate medical instrument has a distal end portion configured to extend within an intracorporeal treatment area of a subject, and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end portion. Each electrode is respectively configured to provide an electrical stimulus. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088030 | Systems and Methods for Performing Neurophysiologic Monitoring During Spine Surgery - A neuromonitoring system utilizing transcutaneous, trans-abdominal nerve root stimulation to monitor the health and status of the motor neural pathways of the lower extremities during the portions of a surgical procedure in which a tissue retraction assembly is used to maintain an operative corridor. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150094610 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE INSERTION OF INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANTS - A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150119751 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SENSING PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS DURING STIMULATION THERAPY - Devices and methods provide for the sensing of physiological signals during stimulation therapy by preventing stimulation waveform artifacts from being passed through to the amplification of the sensed physiological signal. Thus, the amplifiers are not adversely affected by the stimulation waveform and can provide for successful sensing of physiological signals between stimulation waveform pulses. A blanking switch may be used to blank the stimulation waveform artifacts where the blanking switch is operated in a manner synchronized with the stimulation waveform so that conduction in the sensing path is blocked during the stimulation pulse as well as during other troublesome artifacts such as a peak of a recharge pulse. A limiter may be used to limit the amplitude of the sensed signal, and hence the stimulation artifacts, that are passed to the amplifier without any synchronization of the limiter to the stimulation waveform. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150126897 | Automatic Determination of the Threshold of an Evoked Neural Response - Techniques for automatically analyzing neural activity within a target neural region. In one example, electrical stimulation is applied to the target neural region at an initial current level that approximates a typical threshold-Neural Response Telemetry (NRT) level. An NRT measurement of neural activity within the target neural region in response to the stimulation is recorded. A machine-learned expert system, which is configured with a decision tree that includes at least two levels of nodes which consider parameters relating to the NRT measurement, respectively, is utilized to predict, based on one or more features of the neural activity, whether the NRT measurement includes a neural response or does not include a neural response. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150305644 | SYMPATHETIC SKIN RESPONSE MEASURING METHOD - A sympathetic skin response measuring sympathetic skin response measuring method includes supplying a power for stimulating only C fibers in a living body, to a stimulation electrode applied to the living body, measuring information of a sympathetic skin response based on a signal obtained from a measurement electrode applied to the living body, and outputting the information measured in the measuring step. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150313487 | Method and System for Controlling Electrical Conditions of Tissue - An implantable device for controlling electrical conditions of body tissue. A feedback sense electrode and a compensation electrode are positioned proximal to the tissue to make electrical contact with the tissue. A feedback amplifier is referenced to ground, and takes as an input a feedback signal from the feedback sense electrode. The output of the feedback amplifier is connected to the compensation electrode. The feedback amplifier thus drives the neural tissue via the compensation electrode in a feedback arrangement which seeks to drive the feedback signal to ground, or other desired electrical value. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150335257 | Hyperdrive and Neuroprobes for Stimulation Purposes - A kit of parts for electrical stimulation and/or recording of activity of excitable cells in a tissue is described. The kit of parts comprises on the one hand a probe guiding means comprising a plurality of accommodation channels, each channel being adapted for accommodating a probe device having a plurality of stimulation means and/or recording means located on a die. At least one of the plurality of accommodation channels has a curved shape. The kit of parts also comprises at least one probe device for electrical stimulation and/or recording of activity of excitable cells in a tissue, the probe device comprising a plurality of stimulation means and/or recording means located on a die having a thinned and etched surface for providing flexibility to the probe device. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150367100 | CATHETER SET COMPRISING GUIDE WIRE - The present invention relates to a catheter set for nerve treatment used for delivering a stimulus or a drug to nerves in the human body. According to the present invention, the catheter set for nerve treatment includes: a catheter capable of delivering a drug to a target nerve through a tube line, having a tube shape; a cylindrical cannula for supporting the catheter when inserted into the body tissue while slidably accommodating the catheter inside; a conductive guide wire to be accommodated inside the catheter, having one exposed end; and a conductive first stimulator connector for delivering an electric stimulus to the one exposed end of the guide wire, electrically connected to the other end of the guide wire. Therefore, it is possible to accurately place the end of the catheter at the location of the target nerve, to prevent the end of the catheter from deviating from the target nerve during an operation, and to finely adjust the location of the catheter even after removing the cannula. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160081580 | Arrangement for facilitating wound healing, a method for measuring wound healing and a wound dressing - The present invention relates to the field of electrotherapy and measuring by means of electric currents for diagnostic purposes, and more particularly to an electrode arrangement for facilitating wound healing, a method for measuring wound healing and a wound dressing having an electrode arrangement. A wound dressing according is described which includes at least two impedance reference electrodes, a frame like counter-electrode and stimulation electrodes in a form of an array; and a bioadhesive affinity layer surrounding the stimulation electrodes; said wound dressing being suited for applying on top of the wound so that the stimulation electrode array is on the wound area, and that the at least two impedance reference electrodes and the frame like counter-electrode are suited for placing in contact with the healthy skin surrounding the wound area; which electrodes, are suited for applying LIDC type electrical stimulation current to the wound area and for bioimpedance measurement. The wound dressing can provide a continuous, non-invasive and objective solution for monitoring chronic wound healing without disturbing the delicate healing process. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160128620 | THRESHOLD ESTIMATION APPARATUS, THRESHOLD ESTIMATION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM - In a threshold estimation apparatus, a setting unit sets an initial intensity value for each electrode. A selection unit randomly selects an electrode. A stimulation unit, via the selected electrode, stimulates a living subject at an intensity set for the electrode. A detection unit detects the presence or absence of a response evoked by the stimulation. An update unit reduces or increases the intensity associated with the selected electrode, based on the presence or absence of the response evoked by the stimulation. An estimation unit, if the thus updated intensity associated with each electrode satisfies a convergence condition, estimates a convergence value as a threshold associated with the electrode. The threshold estimation apparatus repeats these processes until thresholds associated with all electrodes are estimated. If the same electrode was consecutively selected, the time interval between a stimulation and a subsequent stimulation is adjusted. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160183845 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING MUSCLE RELAXATION AND MONITORING EQUIPMENT - Disclosed are a device for measuring muscle relaxation and a monitoring equipment. The device includes a response signal detection unit and a control unit. The response signal detection unit includes an angular velocity sensor for sensing the motion of a measurement site and outputting corresponding angular velocity information of the measurement site to the control unit. The control unit includes a main processor and a stimulus signal source connected to the main processor. The stimulus signal source applies stimulus current to the measurement site through an output terminal under control of the main processor. The main processor can process the motion information from the response signal detection unit. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20170231514 | STIMULATION NEEDLE APPARATUS AND METHOD | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170231547 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SCREENING PATIENTS FOR BLADDER CONTROL VIA PUDENDAL NERVE STIMULATION | 08-17-2017 |
