Multi-Channel Stimulation Threshold Detection Algorithm For Use In Neurophysiology Monitoring
AssigneeNuVasive, Inc.
InventorAllen Farquhar
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to an algorithm aimed at neurophysiology monitoring, and more particularly to an algorithm capable of quickly finding stimulation thresholds over multiple channels of a neurophysiology monitoring system.
Claims59
A method for performing neurophysiologic assessments, comprising:
- delivering a plurality of electrical stimulation signals near tissue;
- detecting neuromuscular responses evoked by said signals;
- and
- omitting stimulation signals when said neuromuscular response is predictable.
A software application operated on a neurophysiology monitoring system, said software application configured to (a) command delivery of a plurality of stimulation signals at selected current amplitudes, (b) receive and process neuromuscular response data evoked by stimulation at said currents, (c) establish for each selected current amplitude one of a first status and a second status based on the magnitude of the corresponding neuromuscular response, and (d) omit delivery of a stimulation signal of at least one selected current when the status of said at least one current is predictable.
An algorithm for directing the delivery of stimulation signals to determine the stimulation threshold of neural tissue relative to at least two EMG monitoring channels, comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining a first stimulation threshold on a first channel;
- (b) establishing for a second channel a bracket within which a second stimulation threshold must lie;
- (c) bisecting the bracket to a predetermined range and selecting any value within the predetermined range as the second stimulation threshold;
- and
- (d) omitting the delivery of at least one stimulation signal during at least one of step (b) and step (c) when the EMG response to a selected stimulation current is predictable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.