Systems and methods for intra-operative stimulation

A tissue stimulation system comprising:

• a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing sized and configured to be held by a user,
• a probe having an electrically conductive surface sized and configured for electrical stimulation of a targeted tissue region, the probe extending from the proximal end of the housing, and wherein the electrical stimulation is in the form of a signal having an amplitude and a duration for providing a physical motor response,
• the housing proximal end comprising a probe adjustment portion to allow movement of the probe,
• a stimulation control device electrically coupled to the probe and sized and configured to be positioned within the housing, the stimulation control device comprising stimulation signal generating circuitry,
• the housing including a first control device for turning the stimulation signal to the probe on and off and for providing adjustment of the stimulation signal amplitude, the first control device being electrically coupled to the stimulation control device, and
• the housing including a second control device for providing adjustment of the stimulation signal duration, the second control device being electrically coupled to the stimulation control device.

A method of testing a tissue region of a patient comprising:

• providing a tissue stimulation system having an operative element extending from a proximal end of a housing,
• the housing proximal end comprising an operative element adjustment portion to allow movement of the operative element,
• moving a first control device to an activation position causing a stimulation signal to be generated by the stimulation system and transmitted to the operative element,
• engaging the patient with the operative element at a targeted tissue region, and
• observing the targeted tissue region for a first indication.

A hand held tissue stimulation apparatus comprising:

• a tubular shaped housing comprising a gripping base portion and an operative element adjustment portion,
• the gripping base portion comprising a first housing element and a second housing element,
• a stimulation control device positioned within the gripping base portion,
• a battery positioned within the gripping base portion and coupled to the stimulation control device to provide power to the stimulation control device,
• a visual indication coupled to a proximal end of the gripping base portion, the visual indication comprising an illuminating circumferential ring indicator, the illuminating circumferential ring indicator being visible around the circumference of the tubular housing, and
• an operative element having an electrically conductive surface sized and configured for electrical stimulation of a targeted tissue region, the operative element being coupled to the stimulation control device and extending from the proximal end of the operative element adjustment portion.

A kit of devices to provide tissue stimulation to a targeted tissue region, the kit comprising,

• a hand held stimulation probe including a housing sized and configured to be held with either a left or right hand, the stimulation probe being sterilized and disposable, and including an operative element extending from a proximal end of the housing,
• the housing proximal end comprising an operative element adjustment portion to allow movement of the operative element,
• a lead including a return electrode coupled to the stimulation probe, and
• instructions for use describing the unpacking and tissue contact procedure for the stimulation probe.