Nerve proximity method and device
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for localization of a target nerve comprising:
- i. a generator for the production of electrical current at physiological stimulation frequencies;
ii. one or more probe electrodes for coupling to the generator to transmit the electrical current to the target nerve;
iii. one or more physiological sensors for determining the proximity of the one or more probe electrodes to the target nerve, the sensors sensing and signaling multifidus muscle activity resulting from the transmission of electrical current to the target nerve by the probe electrodes; and
iv. a measuring device for reporting the physiological sensor signals to indicate the proximity.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for proximity detection and confirmation of treatment of a target nerve such as the facet nerve. The apparatus includes a probe that can deliver electrical current for stimulation of the facet nerve, and physiological sensors for transduction of multifidus muscle activity. A generator produces electrical current at physiological stimulation frequencies, and physiological sensor signals of muscle activity are displayed, analyzed and recorded with the use of a measuring device. A method using stimulation-induced multifidus activity to localize and confirm treatment of the facet nerve is disclosed.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An apparatus for localization of a target nerve comprising:
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i. a generator for the production of electrical current at physiological stimulation frequencies;
ii. one or more probe electrodes for coupling to the generator to transmit the electrical current to the target nerve;
iii. one or more physiological sensors for determining the proximity of the one or more probe electrodes to the target nerve, the sensors sensing and signaling multifidus muscle activity resulting from the transmission of electrical current to the target nerve by the probe electrodes; and
iv. a measuring device for reporting the physiological sensor signals to indicate the proximity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of localization of a target nerve comprising the steps of:
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i. positioning at least one physiological sensor to detect an activity of a muscle innervated by the target nerve;
ii. positioning an electrically conductive probe proximal to the target nerve;
iii. stimulating the target nerve with an appropriate electrical current to elicit a detectable response from the muscle innervated by the target nerve;
iv. detecting the muscle activity; and
v. determining the proximity of the probe to the target nerve in response to the detected muscle activity. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of determining a measure of the success of a treatment of a nerve comprising the steps of:
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i. positioning at least one physiological sensor to detect an activity of a muscle innervated by the nerve;
ii. placing an electrically conductive probe proximal to the nerve;
iii. stimulating the nerve with an appropriate electrical frequency for eliciting a detectable response from the muscle;
iv. detecting the muscle activity; and
v. determining the measure of success of the treatment in response to the detected muscle activity. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. The method of claim 20 comprising the step of (vii) treating the nerve.
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21. The method of claim 21, comprising the step of:
(viii) selectively repeating steps (ii) to (v) in order to determine a further measure of a successful treatment.
Specification