Patent · US Expired

Nerve proximity and status detection system and method

US7177677B2 · kind B2 · utility

415Cited by
102References
45Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 16, 2002
Grant dateFeb 13, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 16, 2022

Classification

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

Abstract

A method and system is disclosed 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.