122 results about "Nerve conduction" patented technology

A surgical system and the associated methods for use in Minimally Invasive Surgical procedures for use in the short- and long-term termination of signals through nerves. Such a procedure is an improvement over the current state-of-the-art because of the use of a tightly coupled single-needle bi-polar probe. The proximity of both electrodes, to the nerve or tissue targeted for the treatment, is such that it reduces the losses experienced with external electrodes (e.g. plates or probes). Further, the probe has features associated with locating the probe and dispensing or sampling far above the probes currently available. The resulting improvements provide a quantum leap in technology for the associated medical industries and a base line for these procedures in the future.

Methods and apparatus are provided for selective destruction or temporary disruption of nerves and / or conduction pathways in a mammalian body for the treatment of pain and other disorders. Apparatus comprises catheters having electrodes for targeting and affecting nerve tissue at a cellular level to reversible and irreversible nerve poration and incapacitation.

A gesture-controlled interface apparatus includes one or a plurality of bio-potential sensors and a processor. The one or a plurality of bio-potential sensors are wearable on a body of a user, for detecting one or a plurality of bio-electrical signals from the body of the user, wherein the one or a plurality of bio-potential sensors include at least one surface nerve conduction (SNC) sensor for detecting at least one surface nerve conduction signal. The processor is configured to compare the detected at least one surface nerve conduction signal with data of a plurality of reference signals corresponding to a plurality of known gestures, each of the reference signals distinctly associated with one of the known gestures, to identify a known gesture from the plurality of known gestures that corresponds to said at least one surface nerve conduction signal, and to communicate the identified known gesture to a computerized device.

At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient are treated where the disorders are associated with a gastrointestinal tract of a patient where the disorders are characterized at least in part by hyper-tonal vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of alimentary tract organs of the patient at an innervation site. The treatment includes applying a neural conduction block to a vagus nerve of the patient at a blocking site proximal to the innervation site. The neural conduction block is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus nerve at the blocking site. A treatment apparatus has an electrically controllable neural conduction electrode adapted to be placed on a vagus nerve of a patient at a blocking site proximal to an innervation site.

An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The ratio of the surface area of the first conductive electrode to the surface area of the second conductive electrode may be adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgical probe having a probe body which defines a single longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe of this aspect of the invention further includes more than two electrodes operatively disposed at separate and distinct positions along the axis of the probe body. The electrodes may be selectively connected to one of or a combination of a stimulation energy source, an ablation energy source or a ground for either energy source. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of placing an electrosurgical probe such as described above for specific ablation procedures.

A gesture-controlled interface apparatus includes one or a plurality of bio-potential sensors and a processor. The one or a plurality of bio-potential sensors are wearable on a body of a user, for detecting one or a plurality of bio-electrical signals from the body of the user, wherein the one or a plurality of bio-potential sensors include at least one surface nerve conduction (SNC) sensor for detecting at least one surface nerve conduction signal. The processor is configured to compare the detected at least one surface nerve conduction signal with data of a plurality of reference signals corresponding to a plurality of known gestures, each of the reference signals distinctly associated with one of the known gestures, to identify a known gesture from the plurality of known gestures that corresponds to said at least one surface nerve conduction signal, and to communicate the identified known gesture to a computerized device.

The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

Methods, computer systems and apparatus are provided for neurophysiological assessment, specifically evaluation of mixed and dermatomal nerve conduction latencies and amplitudes, as well as electrophysiological evaluation of spontaneous electromyogram. Software guides the user through protocol selection, electrode placement, baseline determinations, comparisons to normal data, post-manipulation comparisons, displayed warning of pathological changes, archiving of data and report generation.

An apparatus and method for detecting physiological function, for example, nerve conduction, is described. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a housing including a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site and a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site. The housing automatically positions the detector substantially adjacent to the second anatomical site when the stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to the first anatomical site. The detector contains a plurality of individual detection elements, whereby the response evoked by stimulation at the first anatomical site is measured using one or more of these detection elements at the second anatomical location.

There is provided an apparatus for assessment of peripheral nervous system function comprising: a stimulation and data acquisition unit; at least two neuromuscular electrodes; and an adaptor unit for connecting the at least two neuromuscular electrodes with the stimulation and data acquisition unit, such that the stimulation and data acquisition unit can independently communicate with each of the neuromuscular electrodes.

Non-invasive inactivation of nerve conduction in a treatment region of a mammalian subject as, for example, a region encompassing a renal artery. A therapeutic ultrasound transducer (31) is engaged with the body of the subject outside of the treatment region, preferably with the skin of the subject in proximity to the treatment region (10). The transducer is actuated to transmit therapeutically effective softly focused ultrasound energy at a level which brings tissues throughout a relatively large impact volume (22), desirably 1 cm3 or larger, to a temperature sufficient to inactivate conduction nerves but insufficient to cause rapid necrosis. The impact volume can be aligned with the treatment region using imaging techniques. The treatment can be applied without imaging or precisely locating individual nerves, and can be used, for example, to inactive renal nerves in treatment of hypertension.

To control cardiac arrhythmias, various conduction-modifying agents include biopolymers, fibroblasts, neurotoxins, and growth factors are introduced either epicardially or endocardially to the fat pads in proximity to the ganglia therein. Any desired technique may be used for injection, including injection from a catheter inserted percutaneously, or direct injection through the epicardial during open heart surgery. Preferably the patient's heart is beating throughout the Injection.

Methods and devices for improved precision in finding one or more nerves and then interrupting the transmission of neural signals through the target nerve. The treated nerve can be rendered incapable of transmitting neural signals for a select duration of time, where such a duration can be on a temporarily basis (e.g., hours, days or weeks) or a longer term / permanent basis (e.g., months or years). One embodiment of the apparatus includes a precise energy source system which features energy transfer elements that are capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation with precision.

Apparatus and methods for deactivating renal nerves extending along a renal artery of a mammalian subject to treat hypertension and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer (30) is inserted into the renal artery (10) as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (18) bearing the transducer into the renal artery. The ultrasonic transducer emits unfocused ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout a relatively large impact volume (11) as, for example, at least about 0.5 cm3 encompassing the renal artery to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual renal nerves.

An apparatus and method for detecting physiological function, for example, nerve conduction, is described. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a housing including a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site and a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site. The housing automatically positions the detector substantially adjacent to the second anatomical site when the stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to the first anatomical site. The detector contains a plurality of individual detection elements, whereby the response evoked by stimulation at the first anatomical site is measured using one or more of these detection elements at the second anatomical location.

Methods and devices for improved precision in finding one or more nerves and then interrupting the transmission of neural signals through the target nerve. The treated nerve can be rendered incapable of transmitting neural signals for a select duration of time, where such a duration can be on a temporarily basis (e.g., hours, days or weeks) or a longer term / permanent basis (e.g., months or years). One embodiment of the apparatus includes a precise energy source system which features energy transfer elements that are capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation with precision.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for enhanced bladder voidance which would have the advantages of a rhizotomy yet be temporary and reversible by combining low and high-frequency sacral nerve stimulation. Applicants propose a new sacral neurostimulation strategy based on a combination of nerve conduction blockade using high frequency signals and nerve stimulation using low-frequency signals. The method and apparatus enhances micturition in paraplegics by sacral neurostimulation involving a combination of a low-frequency electrical stimulation applied to one or more sacral nerves to induce bladder contraction and a high frequency electrical stimulation applied to at least one sacral nerve to cause nerve conduction blockade that prevents urethral sphincter dyssynergic contraction.

An apparatus for neuromuscular functional signal acquisition is provided for evaluation of neuromuscular function. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus for neuromuscular functional signal acquisition includes an active electrode, reference electrode, ground electrode, a rotating template with pre-punched holes and a mechanical use limiter. The apparatus for neuromuscular functional signal acquisition is used in conjunction with a waveform generator, such as a nerve conduction monitor or NCV / EMG device for the detection of neuromuscular responses. The apparatus is preferably used with a stimulator probe template and mechanical use limiter to facilitate inexpensive, efficient and accurate placement of a stimulation probe.

A portable apparatus which allows a user to perform self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency between a pair of epidermal locations proximal to nerve conduction paths. The device provides a simple and low-cost self-diagnostic apparatus which may be used for the detection and ongoing monitoring of sensory latency, such as sensory latency which is the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. The apparatus is powered by a single battery which provides power to all circuitry of the apparatus. Upon power activation, the device generates a series of high voltage stimulus pulses at an electrode in epidermal contact with the user / operator. The nerve response voltage is detected by a second electrode located along nerve pathway and the time delay between stimulus and response is displayed and periodically updated as each new response is detected.

An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The ratio of the surface area of the first conductive electrode to the surface area of the second conductive electrode may be adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgical probe having a probe body which defines a single longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe of this aspect of the invention further includes more than two electrodes operatively disposed at separate and distinct positions along the axis of the probe body. The electrodes may be selectively connected to one of or a combination of a stimulation energy source, an ablation energy source or a ground for either energy source. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of placing an electrosurgical probe such as described above for specific ablation procedures.

The invention provides a method for rapidly and quantitatively detecting organophosphorus pesticide residues in soil. According to the method, by utilizing the principle that an organophosphorus pesticide has an inhibiting effect on the normal function of cholinesterase under certain conditions and the inhibition rate is in positive correlation with the concentration of the organophosphorus pesticide, under normal conditions, cholinesterase catalyzes a nerve-conduction metabolic product (acetylcholine or butyrycholine) to hydrolyze, the hydrolysis product reacts with a developer so as to generate a yellow substance, a spectrophotometer is utilized to measure the variable quantity of absorbance before and after reaction at a place of 412nm, the inhibition rate is calculated, and whether the high-dose organophosphorus pesticide exists in a sample or not can be judged through the inhibition rate. The method has the advantages of simplicity and convenience in operation, high detection speed, no need of expensive instruments, high sensitivity, good repetitiveness, high recovery rate and the like.

The invention discloses a Chinese traditional medicine for relieving swelling and pain and promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction. The Chinese traditional medicine is formulated according to monarch, minister, assistant and guide; raw argy wormwood leaves, prickly ash peels and angelica are adopted as monarch medicines to warm meridians to tonify the kidney, nourish and activate blood, dredge meridians and collaterals and remove dampness and dispel cold to relieve pain; Chinese clematis roots, twotoothed achyranthes roots and common clubmoss herb are adopted as minister medicines to dispel wind to promote diuresis and relieve arthralgia; garden balsam stems, safflowers and Sichuan lovage rhizomes are adopted as assistant medicines to promote Qi circulation and blood circulation, dredge meridians and collaterals to remove blood stasis and dispel wind to relieve pain; and dahurian angelica roots and corydalis tubers are adopted as guide medicines to enhance the effects of dispelling wind to remove cold and promoting Qi circulation to relieve pain. The Chinese traditional medicine can be decocted in water for fumigation and washing to relieve swelling and pain and promote blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction, so that the muscle function can be recovered and blood circulation and nerve conduction can be promoted, and therefore the Chinese traditional medicine is an effective medicine for treating lumbar disc herniation, pain in the waist and the legs and cervical spondylosis. The therapeutic method belongs to physical therapy, and adopts the external treatment method of traditional Chinese medicines and the percutaneous absorption theory of modern pharmacy, consequently, the Chinese traditional medicine can be rapidly absorbed by skin, bioavailability is high, and the Chinese traditional medicine does not have toxic and side effects.

The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.

The invention discloses a sodium alginate-dopamine / polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, and a preparation method and application thereof. The preparation method comprises the following steps: grafting dopamine(DA) on sodium alginate (SA) through chemical cross-linking to introduce nerve conduction substances, communicate cells and convey chemical substances, so that a wound healing effect is promoted, physical adhesion capability is improved, and biocompatibility of the material is improved; then combination is carried out with medicine-grade polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which has good biocompatibility, ischeap and is easy to obtain, so that physical performance of hydrogel is improved, and therefore, the hydrogel with relatively high mechanical strength is prepared. The hydrogel provided by the invention has good biocompatibility and excellent physical performance, the reaction raw materials are cheap and are easy to obtain, reaction conditions are mild, and operation steps are simple and convenient. The hydrogel provided by the invention has a wide application prospect in bedsores wound care and biomedicine.

Methods and apparatus are provided for selective destruction or temporary disruption of nerves and / or conduction pathways in a mammalian body for the treatment of pain and other disorders. Apparatus comprises catheters having electrodes for targeting and affecting nerve tissue at a cellular level to reversible and irreversible nerve poration and incapacitation.

The invention relates to a multi-charge coupled device group self-adaptive imaging instrument of a cambered optical structure and a method thereof, belonging to a field of the image information acquisition and processing. By imitating an ommateum to adjust the nerve conduction mode with the change of the illumination under the condition of day alternates with night to obtain a self-adaptive imaging effect principle, the instrument uses a plurality of common charge coupled devices (CCD), corresponding auxiliary circuits and a neural processing algorithm to construct a biomimic self-adaptive adjustment imaging instrument. The imaging instrument has an imaging function of self adjusting fusion modes with the change of illumination conditions, can acquire a high-contrast image under a normal illumination condition, and also can acquire a high-brightness sensitive image under a weak illumination condition. The invention realizes high-definition surveillance and monitoring under the condition of day alternates with night, belonging to the image information acquisition and processing field.

A catheter system and method for selectively cooling or freezing target neuronal tissue to induce lesions along the neuroaxis and produce cryoanalgesia by impairing nerve conduction of the targeted neuronal tissue. The system includes a catheter that has cryogenic capability for variable cooling or freezing of neuronal tissue. The catheter also includes temperature sensing and electrodiagnostic capabilities. A pressurized fluid source is included for inflating a portion of the catheter body. The system includes electrodiagnostic equipment for stimulating and monitoring sensory evoked potentials in the patient. The method involves placement of the catheter tip in the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal and location of the tip on the neuronal target using imaging and electrodiagnostic techniques.