System and methods for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments, comprising the steps of:
- (a) percutaneously introducing an insulation member to a pedicle target site;
(b) establishing electrical communication between a K-wire and an interior of a pedicle screw pilot hole by bringing said K-wire into contact with a tap member disposed through said insulation member, said tap member having a longitudinal lumen for receiving and passing said K-wire therethrough;
(c) applying a stimulation signal to said K-wire; and
(d) monitoring to assess whether nerves adjacent said pedicle are innervating as a result of the step of applying said stimulation signal to said K-wire.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.
214 Citations
33 Claims
-
1. A method for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) percutaneously introducing an insulation member to a pedicle target site; (b) establishing electrical communication between a K-wire and an interior of a pedicle screw pilot hole by bringing said K-wire into contact with a tap member disposed through said insulation member, said tap member having a longitudinal lumen for receiving and passing said K-wire therethrough; (c) applying a stimulation signal to said K-wire; and (d) monitoring to assess whether nerves adjacent said pedicle are innervating as a result of the step of applying said stimulation signal to said K-wire. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A method for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) percutaneously introducing to a pedicle target site an insulation member comprising a tubular element dimensioned to receive a tap member and a K-wire, the tap member having a longitudinal lumen for receiving and passing said K-wire therethrough to establish electrical communication therebetween; (b) establishing electrical communication between said K-wire and an interior of a pedicle screw pilot hole; (c) applying a stimulation signal to said K-wire; and (d) monitoring to assess whether nerves adjacent said pedicle are innervating as a result of the step of applying said stimulation signal to said stimulation element. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A method for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) percutaneously introducing an insulation member to a pedicle target site; (b) establishing electrical communication between a stimulation element and an interior of a pedicle screw pilot hole by bringing said stimulation element into contact with a tap member disposed through said insulation member; (c) directing the application of a stimulation signal to said stimulation element with an EMG system in electrical communication with said stimulation element; (d) detecting a voltage response with said EMG system from muscles innervated by nerves adjacent said pedicle to assess whether said nerves are innervating as a result of the step of applying said stimulation signal to said stimulation element; (e) determining a relationship between said stimulation signal and said voltage response to indicate said pedicle integrity; and (f) displaying at least one of graphical and alpha-numeric indicia to communicate said relationship to said user. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
-
22. A method for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments, comprising the steps of:
-
(a) percutaneously introducing to a pedicle target site an insulation member comprising a tubular element dimensioned to receive a pedicle screw pilot hole preparation tool; (b) establishing electrical communication between a stimulation element and an interior of a pedicle screw pilot hole; (c) directing the application of a stimulation signal to said stimulation element with an EMG system in electrical communication with said stimulation element; (d) detecting a voltage response with said EMG system from muscles innervated by nerves adjacent said pedicle to assess whether said nerves are innervating as a result of the step of applying said stimulation signal to said stimulation element; (e) determining a relationship between said stimulation signal and said voltage response to indicate said pedicle integrity; and (f) displaying at least one of graphical and alpha-numeric indicia to communicate said relationship to said user. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
-
Specification