Apparatus and method for performing nerve conduction studies with localization of evoked responses
First Claim
1. An apparatus for assessing physiological function in an individual comprising:
- a sensor, said sensor comprising;
a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site, said stimulator generating a stimulus whereby application of said stimulus stimulates a nerve at said first anatomical site; and
a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site, said detector comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a signal generated in response to said stimulus;
wherein said sensor automatically positions said detector substantially adjacent to said second anatomical site when said stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to said first anatomical site;
and further wherein said sensor comprises a processor for processing said at least one signal from said detector to select at least one electrode detecting at least one signal characteristic of said anatomical site.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. An apparatus for assessing physiological function in an individual comprising:
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a sensor, said sensor comprising;
a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site, said stimulator generating a stimulus whereby application of said stimulus stimulates a nerve at said first anatomical site; and
a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site, said detector comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a signal generated in response to said stimulus;
wherein said sensor automatically positions said detector substantially adjacent to said second anatomical site when said stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to said first anatomical site;
and further wherein said sensor comprises a processor for processing said at least one signal from said detector to select at least one electrode detecting at least one signal characteristic of said anatomical site.
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2. An apparatus for assessing physiological function in an individual comprising:
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a sensor, said sensor comprising;
a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site, said stimulator generating a stimulus whereby application of said stimulus stimulates a nerve at said first anatomical site; and
a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site, said detector comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a signal generated in response to said stimulus;
wherein said sensor comprises a processor for processing said at least one signal from said detector to select at least one electrode detecting at least one signal characteristic of said anatomical site.
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3. An apparatus for assessing physiological function in an individual comprising:
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a sensor, said sensor comprising;
a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site, said stimulator generating a stimulus whereby application of said stimulus stimulates a nerve at said first anatomical site; and
a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site, said detector comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a signal generated in response to said stimulus;
wherein said sensor automatically positions said detector substantially adjacent to said second anatomical site when said stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to said first anatomical site. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38)
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23. A method for assessing physiological function in an individual, comprising:
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(a) placing a sensor on an individual, said sensor comprising;
a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site, said stimulator generating a stimulus whereby application of said stimulus stimulates a nerve at said first anatomical site; and
a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site, said detector comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting at least one signal generated in response to said stimulus;
wherein said sensor automatically positions said detector substantially adjacent to said second anatomical site when said stimulator is placed substantially adjacent said first anatomical site on the surface of an individual; and
(b) performing nerve conduction studies with at least one electrode to assess physiological function in an individual.
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37. An apparatus for assessing physiological function in an individual, comprising:
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stimulus means for producing a stimulus and for applying the stimulus at a first anatomical site whereby a nerve is stimulated;
detecting means comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting at least one signal characteristic of a second anatomical site generated in response to said stimulus; and
connecting means for connecting said stimulus means and said detecting means wherein said connecting means automatically position said detecting means substantially adjacent said second anatomical site when said stimulating means are positioned substantially adjacent first anatomical site.
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Specification