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Electromagnetic apparatus and method for nerve localization during spinal surgery

  • US 8,052,688 B2
  • Filed: 08/28/2007
  • Issued: 11/08/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2006
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A surgical awl for use in surgical procedures comprising:

  • a solid core having a first end and a second end;

    a tapered awl tip attached to the first end of the solid core;

    a handle attached to the second end of the solid core;

    an electrically conductive coil around the solid core;

    an electric current source, connected to the electrically conductive coil, capable of producing a time varying electrical signal;

    the time varying electrical signal producing a time varying magnetic field in the conductive coil adjacent the awl tip;

    the time varying magnetic field of an intensity to produce an electronically measurable excitation a set of living nerve cells; and

    ,a detector for monitoring a set of muscles for the electronically measurable excitation.

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