Method of using neural stimulation during nucleoplasty procedures

A method of performing a nucleoplasty comprising the steps of:

• providing a generator;
• providing an apparatus for performing the nucleoplasty, the apparatus including:
• an introducer cannula having at least an electrically conductive distal end;
• a stylet selectively positionable in the introducer cannula to occlude the introducer cannula during introduction of the introducer cannula into an intervertebral disc;
• and
• an elongated thermal or electromagnetic probe having a proximal end, a distal end and having a guidable region adjacent the distal end thereof;
• introducing the introducer cannula having the stylet positioned therewithin into the intervertebral disc;
• monitoring an impedance of tissue adjacent the distal end of the introducer cannula to determine when the distal end of the introducer cannula is positioned within the nucleus;
• removing the stylet from the introducer cannula prior to introduction of the guidable region of the probe into the introducer cannula;
• introducing the probe through the introducer cannula such that the guidable region thereof extends from the distal end of the introducer cannula and into the nucleus;
• activating the probe;
• increasing the amplitude of the activated probe until an effect is obtained in the nervous system;
• noting the amplitude at which the effect on the nervous system is observed;
• and
• re-activating the probe to treat the nucleus, wherein the probe is activateable up to the amplitude that is dictated by a threshold amplitude of nervous system stimulation.

A method of using neural stimulation during nucleoplasty procedures for confirming the placement of a probe in a nucleus of an intervertebral disc comprises the steps of:

• providing a generator;
• providing an apparatus for performing a nucleoplasty, the apparatus including:
• an introducer cannula having at least an electrically conductive distal end, wherein the distal end of the introducer cannula is electrically connected to the generator;
• introducing the introducer cannula into the intervertebral disc;
• and
• monitoring an impedance of tissue adjacent the distal end of the introducer cannula to determine when the distal end of the introducer cannula is positioned within the nucleus.