Method and device for locating and mapping nerves
US6535759B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36017
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present application discloses a method and device for locating and mapping the cavernosal nerve bundle by electro-stimulation to enable safe and effective implantation of radioactive seeds for prostate brachytherapy. By locating and mapping the cavernosal nerve bundle prior to seed implantation, the brachytherapist can make intra-operative decisions to avoid mechanical and radiational injury to the nerve which results in impotency or other prostate-Urethral complications. The device of the invention takes the form of an automated closed-looped electro-stimulating system having a handle for manipulating the device, a stimulating tip for applying an electro-stimulus to a tissue site, a control unit to activate and terminate application of the electro-stimulus and to interpret a tumescence response, a sensor for detecting and measuring a tumescence response, a patient ground return, and a display monitor to indicate the nature, stability and strength of the tumescence response to the brachytherapist. If the control unit concludes that the applied electro-stimulus failed to evoke a tumescence response in excess of a pre-determined baseline and that the tissue lacks cavernosal nerve…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.