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US 2026/0232256 A1Published application
Directional dilator for intraoperative monitoring
AssigneeNuVasive, Inc.
InventorsJonathan D. Spangler, Forrest Samuel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclose describes a stationary dilator with 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.
Claims15
A stationary directional dilator, comprising:
- a first tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end;
- a second tube rotatably coupled to the first tube, the second tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a directional electrode located at a selected circumferential angle on an exterior surface proximate the distal end;
- an electrical coupler configured to be connected to an intraoperative nerve monitoring system and having a lower region adapted to be received in the second tube to be in electrical contact with the directional electrode, the electrical coupler configured to transmit an electric signal to surrounding tissue at the selected circumferential angle through the directional electrode;
- wherein the second tube is dimensioned to be rotated relative to the first tube to thereby rotate the directional electrode in order to determine a circumferential direction of nerves located in the tissue relative to the first tube as the first tube and the second tube are advanced through the tissue.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.