System and method for reducing iatrogenic damage to nerves
First Claim
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1. A method for predicting nerve damage due to external mechanical effects, comprising the steps of:
- (a) placing a transducer external to a patient at a location where a mechanical effect is sensed by the transducer correlates with a local pressure to which a nerve is subjected;
(b) measuring the mechanical effect over time by means of the transducer; and
(c) predicting a damage to the nerve based on the measured mechanical effect over time, and a model of susceptibility of the nerve to damage.
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Abstract
A method for predicting peripheral nerve damage comprising the steps of placing a pressure transducer on the skin of a patient proximate to a peripheral nerve; measuring the pressure with the pressure transducer over time; and estimating a damage to the nerve based on the pressure and duration of application and a nerve damage model.
114 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A method for predicting nerve damage due to external mechanical effects, comprising the steps of:
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(a) placing a transducer external to a patient at a location where a mechanical effect is sensed by the transducer correlates with a local pressure to which a nerve is subjected; (b) measuring the mechanical effect over time by means of the transducer; and (c) predicting a damage to the nerve based on the measured mechanical effect over time, and a model of susceptibility of the nerve to damage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for predicting nerve damage due to external mechanical effects, comprising the steps of:
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(a) placing a transducer external to a patient at a location where an external mechanical effect is sensed by the transducer correlates with a local pressure to which a nerve is subjected; (b) measuring the external mechanical effect over time by means of the transducer; and (c) predicting a damage to the nerve based on the magnitude and duration of the measured external mechanical effect.
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22. A method for predicting neuropraxic effects, comprising the steps of:
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(a) directing an optical sensor, differentially sensitive to hemoglobin in an oxygenated and deoxygenated state, toward vital tissues having a pressure which corresponds to a pressure to which a nerve is subjected; (b) estimating a blood perfusion to the nerve over time based on the optical sensor; and (c) predicting a damage to the nerve based on the estimate of blood perfusion over time and a modeled sensitivity of the nerve to ischemic injury. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 28)
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27. A sensor for predicting retinal damage due to externally applied forces, comprising a fluid filled bulb adapted for placement over the eyelid, covering the orbit and a tube for transmitting a pressure of the fluid to a pressure transducer.
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29. A method for predicting ischemic nerve damage due to external mechanical effects, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a transducer at a location of a patient to sense a mechanical effect which correlates with a local pressure to which a nerve is subjected; (b) measuring the mechanical effect over time by means of the transducer; and (c) predicting a damage to the nerve based on a susceptibility of the nerve to ischemic damage, a measured blood pressure of the patient and the measured mechanical effect over a period of time. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A method for predicting nerve damage due to external mechanical effects, comprising the steps of:
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(a) placing a transducer external to a patient to measure a surrogate factor, relating to a local pressure is applied to a nerve as a result of a mechanical effect; (b) measuring the surrogate factor; (c) predicting a damage to the nerve based on the measured surrogate factor over time, and a model of susceptibility of the nerve to damage. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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Specification