Patent classifications
A61B5/407
Nerve stimulating apparatus, biometric information measuring system, and method of setting stimulus generating timings of biometric information measuring system
A nerve stimulating apparatus includes a plurality of stimulating units configured to respectively apply stimuli to a plurality of nerve regions branching from a particular nerve region of a living body, and a stimulation timing controller configured to set generating timings of respectively generating the stimuli at the plurality of stimulating units. The stimulation timing controller sets the generating timings of generating the stimuli at the plurality of stimulating units based on response results of the particular nerve region, the response results being obtained in response to the stimuli that are respectively generated at the plurality of stimulating units and that are respectively applied to the plurality of nerve regions, and the response results being measured by a biometric information measuring apparatus that measures biometric information.
System to Estimate the Location of a Spinal Cord Physiological Midline
Techniques for determining the location of a physiological midline are disclosed. A first technique evaluates the response to stimulation of spinal electrodes at peripheral electrodes on different sides of the body. In this technique, a spinal electrode's position relative to a physiological midline is determined based on a relationship between responses to its stimulation observed on different sides of the body. A second technique evaluates the response of spinal electrodes to stimulation of peripheral electrodes on different sides of the body. In this technique, a spinal electrode's position relative to a physiological midline is determined based on the different responses that it observes to stimulation on different sides of the body.
NERVE IMPULSE SIGNAL STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME
A nerve impulse signal stimulation device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The nerve impulse signal stimulation device includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first metal layer formed on the first surface of the substrate; a second metal layer formed on the first metal layer; a plurality of openings exposing a portion of the first surface of the substrate, a portion of the first metal layer and a portion of the second metal layer; and a ferromagnetic material attached to the second surface of the substrate. The openings cause the nerve impulse signal stimulation device to obtain a parallel circuit structure, thereby increasing the current load and the magnetic field intensity, reducing the size of the device, and ensuring the safety of operations.
Artifact reduction in a sensed neural response
Methods and systems for providing neuromodulation therapy are disclosed. The methods and systems are configured to sense an evoked neural response and use the evoked neural response as feedback for providing neuromodulation therapy. Methods of reducing stimulation artifacts that obscure the sensed evoked neural response are disclosed. The methods of artifact reduction include recording a stimulation artifact in the absence of an evoked neural response, aligning and scaling the stimulation artifact with respect to the obscured signal, and subtracting the aligned and scaled artifact from the obscured signal.
BIOMAGNETISM MEASUREMENT DEVICE
A biomagnetism measurement device includes a tubular body, an inflatable portion inflatable upon supply of gas, and a magnetic sensor portion that detects a magnetic field from outside the tubular body. The inflatable portion is located at a required region of the tubular body, and the magnetic sensor portion is fixed to an inner wall of the inflatable portion. The tubular body and the inflatable portion include the same material, and the wall thickness of the inflatable portion is thinner than that of the tubular body.
Illuminated Endoscopic Pedicle Probe With Dynamic Real Time Monitoring For Proximity To Nerves
An endoscopic pedicle probe has an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end. A tip on the distal end is pushed into the pedicle to form the hole, and an enlarged head on the proximal end enables a surgeon to manipulate the probe. The body has an inner shaft with a cylindrical sleeve telescopically engaged over it. An endoscope extends through a longitudinal bore in the shaft, with a camera at the tip end connected with a monitor to enable a surgeon to visually observe the area being treated. A light extends through another bore to illuminate the area, and a further bore conducts irrigation fluid to and from the area. The sleeve is made of electrically non-conductive material and the shaft and tip are made of electrically conductive material to enable stimulation of nerves at the treatment area.
NEUROMODULATION BASED NERVE IDENTIFICATION
A device may obtain imaging data. The imaging data that is obtained depicts one or more body parts of a patient. A voltage sensitive dye may be applied to stain nerve tissue associated with the one or more body parts of the patient. The voltage sensitive dye may be activated by neuromodulation applied to stimulate the nerve tissue. The imaging data may capture a fluorescence of the nerve tissue based on the voltage sensitive dye being activated by neuromodulation. The device may provide the imaging data for display.
Diagnosis of brain and spinal cord injury by bulbocavernosus reflex measurement
A system and method is disclosed for measuring muscle reflexes (e.g., a bulbocavernosus reflex) as a tool for identifying/diagnosing dysfunctions (e.g., spinal cord abnormalities, bladder voiding dysfunction, and sexual organ dysfunction) non-invasively by using mechanical stimulation. The system and method includes a probe having a predetermined patient contacting portion, wherein when the contacting portion is moved into contact with a particular area of the patient (e.g., the patient's genitals), the contact induces a muscle reflex. The probe detects the pressure resulting from the contacting portion being abruptly and forcibly brought into contact with the particular area. Such detection is used to electronically initiate capture of electrical responses from a plurality of electrodes placed on the patient's skin in proximity to the particular area. Such electrical responses are processed to determine characteristics of the patient's reflexes of one or more muscles adjacent to the electrodes.
NEUROPHYSIOLOGIC MONITORING SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.
SURGICAL VISUALIZATION SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS
Surgical visualization systems and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing visualization during surgical procedures. Systems and methods herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries such as minimally-invasive fusion or discectomy procedures. Systems and methods herein can include various features for enhancing end user experience, improving clinical outcomes, or reducing the invasiveness of a surgery. Exemplary features can include access port integration, hands-free operation, active and/or passive lens cleaning, adjustable camera depth, and many others.