Patent · US Expired

Nerve proximity and status detection system and method

US6466817B1 · kind B1 · utility

652Cited by
65References
118Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 8, 2000
Grant dateOct 15, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 8, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/00039
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method and system for detecting proximity of a nerve to a proximity electrode and status of nerve. The method of detecting the proximity of the nerve to the proximity electrode applies a first electrical signal with multiple current levels to a calibration electrode. The method applies a second electrical signal with multiple current levels to the proximity electrode. Based on the response of the nerve to the first and second electrical signals, the method determines the proximity of the proximity electrode to the nerve. The method determines the status of the nerve by applying the first electrical signal with multiple signal levels to the calibration electrode.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.