Bi-level charge pulse apparatus to facilitate nerve location during peripheral nerve block procedures
US6325764A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/875
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-contained electrolocation apparatus of the present invention includes an electrically conducting needle cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow bore therethrough. The invention further includes a non-conductive tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube being mounted over the needle cannula so that the distal end of the non-conductive tube is proximal to the distal end of the needle cannula. The non-conductive tube has a conductive layer thereon, whereby the needle cannula and the conductive layer respectively define first and second conductors coaxially spaced from one another by the non-conductive tube. There is a grip fixedly attached to the needle cannula for manipulating the apparatus. The grip has an electrical stimulus generator circuit within it that is electrically connected to the first conductor and the second conductor. The stimulus generator circuit is capable of applying a potential across the conductors so that when the needle is positioned in a patient's tissue and the electrical stimulus generator circuit is activated, the potential is sufficient to induce a preselected current thereby providing a charge pulse between the distal e…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.