Goods & Services

Surgical devices and instruments; Electrodes for medical use; Needles for medical purposes; Surgical retractors; Surgical instruments and apparatus; Electronic nerve stimulators for medical purposes; Medical devices, namely, spinal implants composed of artificial materials; Surgical and medical apparatus for use in spinal surgery; Nerve stimulator apparatus

Abstract

An electrode assembly (preferably in the form of a nerve cuff) comprises a base with first and second arms extending from opposite sides of the base, and which, in combination, define an arc. First and second electrically conductive electrodes extend along the inner surface of the first and second arms. Each electrode can comprise a single length of foil can or can comprise multiple discrete foil segments. The foils are electrically isolated from each other. Electrical wires, which are in electrical communication with the each of the foils, extend from the nerve cuff and are adapted to be electrically connected to a signal monitor. When the nerve cuff is applied to a nerve, the foils, in combination, substantially surround the nerve, with the first and second electrodes being on opposite sides of the nerve from each other. Also disclosed is a method of using the nerve cuff to monitor a nerve during a lumbar spinal surgery while the patient is anesthetized and paralyzed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/294 - Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses for nerve conduction study [NCS]
• A61B 5/251 - Means for maintaining electrode contact with the body
• A61B 5/263 - Bioelectric electrodes therefor characterised by the electrode materials

Abstract

An electrode assembly (preferably in the form of a nerve cuff) comprises a base with first and second arms extending from opposite sides of the base, and which, in combination, define an arc. First and second electrically conductive electrodes extend along the inner surface of the first and second arms. Each electrode can comprise a single length of foil can or can comprise multiple discrete foil segments. The foils are electrically isolated from each other. Electrical wires, which are in electrical communication with the each of the foils, extend from the nerve cuff and are adapted to be electrically connected to a signal monitor. When the nerve cuff is applied to a nerve, the foils, in combination, substantially surround the nerve, with the first and second electrodes being on opposite sides of the nerve from each other. Also disclosed is a method of using the nerve cuff to monitor a nerve during a lumbar spinal surgery while the patient is anesthetized and paralyzed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
• A61B 5/254 - Means for maintaining electrode contact with the body by clips
• A61B 5/263 - Bioelectric electrodes therefor characterised by the electrode materials
• A61B 5/388 - Nerve conduction study, e.g. detecting action potential of peripheral nerves
• A61B 5/294 - Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses for nerve conduction study [NCS]