Apparatus and method for locating a nerve
US5775331A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36071
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for stimulating and locating a nerve is described. The apparatus is closed-loop in nature in that the device is automated and is independent of the skill of the operator. The apparatus includes a stimulating probe having an array of electrodes, an automatic control means, and a response detecting means. Response feedback is analyzed according to an electrode selecting algorithm (incorporating a response interpreting algorithm) so that ongoing stimulation is restricted to a subset of the array which produces a criterion response with the least magnitude of stimulation. A method of use is also described. The device and method are also intended to permit optimal stimulation of a located nerve for therapeutic purposes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.