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Neurophysiological apparatus and procedures

  • US 9,131,947 B2
  • Filed: 01/23/2009
  • Issued: 09/15/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for determining the direction of a pedicle breach during hole formation, comprising the steps of:

  • advancing an instrument having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end terminating at a distal tip, wherein said distal tip is collinear with said proximal end and configured for advancement into a pedicle, said distal tip having an electrode arranged along a single side;

    rotating said instrument about a longitudinal axis extending between said proximal end and said distal tip during pilot hole formation while simultaneously applying a stimulation signal to said instrument, wherein said pilot hole extends between an outer surface of said pedicle and an interior location within said pedicle; and

    determining the direction of said breach by monitoring neuromuscular responses to successive stimulation signals during the rotation of said instrument.

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