Instruments and Methods for Nerve Monitoring in Spinal Surgical Procedures
First Claim
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1. A method for engaging an anchor in a patient, comprising:
- removably engaging an extender to a proximal receiver of an anchor;
advancing a lower distal portion of the anchor into a vertebra;
delivering electrical signals through the extender to the anchor;
preventing shunting of the electrical signals from structures adjacent the extender with an insulating member extending about the extender; and
determining a proximity of neural elements relative to a position of the anchor in the vertebra based on the response of the neural elements to the electrical signal.
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Abstract
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.
26 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for engaging an anchor in a patient, comprising:
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removably engaging an extender to a proximal receiver of an anchor; advancing a lower distal portion of the anchor into a vertebra; delivering electrical signals through the extender to the anchor; preventing shunting of the electrical signals from structures adjacent the extender with an insulating member extending about the extender; and determining a proximity of neural elements relative to a position of the anchor in the vertebra based on the response of the neural elements to the electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for monitoring nerve proximity during a spinal surgical procedure in a patient, comprising:
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an anchor engage able to a vertebral body; and an extender including an elongated body extending between a distal end removably mountable to said anchor and a proximal end, said body being comprised of an electrically conductive material and further including an insulating member about at least a portion of said body of said extender, said insulating member being comprised of a material having properties to insulate structures adjacent said portion of said body from an electrical signal delivered through said body of said extender to said anchor when said extender is mounted to said anchor in the patient. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20)
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18. The system of claim 26 wherein said extender includes a pair of arms at a distal end thereof, said arms being movable toward one another to mount said anchor therebetween and movable away from one another to release said anchor, said first and second components each including outwardly extending feet adapted to extend along respective ones of said arms.
Specification