Interrogation device and method
First Claim
1. An interrogation device for locating a nerve disposed near a vessel having flowing blood cells, said nerve being in a body, said device comprising:
- (a) a guide needle that is inserted into the body;
(b) ultrasound means located within said guide needle, wherein said ultrasound means indicates the proximity of said vessel having flowing blood cells to said guide needle; and
(c) stimulator means located within said guide needle, wherein said stimulator means can emit an electrical signal to stimulate said nerve to determine its location.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An interrogation device is used to locate a nerve within the body. The device uses a piezoelectric crystal to locate a pulsing vessel proximate with the nerve. As the device is guided toward the nerve, it can emit an electric signal to stimulate the nerve. The operator can then watch for any physical reaction from the patient in response to nerve stimulation. As the device closes upon the nerve, pressure is applied with the needle to the vessel, thus compressing the vessel, diminishing the doppler response. Once the surface of the nerve is located, it can be accurately anesthetized.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. An interrogation device for locating a nerve disposed near a vessel having flowing blood cells, said nerve being in a body, said device comprising:
-
(a) a guide needle that is inserted into the body; (b) ultrasound means located within said guide needle, wherein said ultrasound means indicates the proximity of said vessel having flowing blood cells to said guide needle; and (c) stimulator means located within said guide needle, wherein said stimulator means can emit an electrical signal to stimulate said nerve to determine its location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. An interrogation device for locating a nerve disposed near a vessel having flowing blood cells, said nerve being in a body, said device comprising:
-
(a) a guide needle that is inserted into the body; (b) an ultrasound source located within said guide needle wherein said ultrasound source indicates the proximity of said vessel having flowing blood cells to said guide needle; and (c) a stimulator electrode located within said guide needle, wherein said stimulator electrode can emit an electrical signal to stimulate said nerve to determine its location.
-
Specification