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US 12,605,105 B2Granted
Directional dilator for intraoperative monitoring
AssigneeNuVasive, Inc.
InventorsJonathan D. Spangler, Forrest Samuel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A stationary dilator has one or more electrodes in the distal region that are rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the dilator. The one or more electrodes are operable to deliver electrical stimulation signals to tissue through which the dilator is passed. The stimulation signals can be used for determining nerve directionality and optionally nerve proximity during surgical procedures involving the presence of neural structures.
Claims14
A stationary directional dilator, comprising:
- a first tubular structure having a first proximal end, a first distal end, and an inner lumen extending between said first proximal end and said first distal end;
- and
- a second structure rotatably coupled to said first tubular structure, said second structure having a second proximal end, a second distal end, and an electrode located proximate said second distal end and configured to transmit an electric signal to surrounding tissue when said electrode is in electrical communication with an intraoperative monitor,
- wherein said second structure is dimensioned to be rotated relative to the first tubular structure to thereby rotate said electrode in order to determine a direction of nerves located in said tissue relative to said first tubular structure as said first tubular structure and said second structure are advanced through said tissue;
- and
- wherein the first tubular structure defines a circumferential surface proximate the first proximal end and further defines a plurality of circumferential apertures through the circumferential surface through which a user may rotate the second proximal end of the second structure relative to said first tubular structure,
- wherein said second structure includes a collar at said second proximal end, a ring at said second distal end, and a plurality of struts extending between said collar and said ring, wherein said electrode is disposed on said ring.
4 more elements
A method comprising:
- advancing a first tubular dilator through tissue in a human subject;
- rotating, through two or more circumferential apertures at a first proximal end of the first tubular dilator, a second structure rotatably coupled to and disposed at least partially within said first tubular dilator such that an electrode disposed on a second distal end of said second structure emits an electrical signal into said tissue;
- and
- iteratively rotating said second structure relative to said first tubular dilator until said electrical signal emitted from said electrode causes nerve tissue to innervate based on the electrical signal,
- wherein said second structure includes a collar at a second proximal end, a ring at said second distal end, and a plurality of struts extending between said collar and said ring, wherein said electrode is disposed on said ring.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.