Tissue dilators for plexus mapping

A dilator for use in surgery, the dilator comprising:

• a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end;
• an attachment area at the proximal end of the body, the attachment area for receiving a stimulating clip, the attachment area comprising an anterior electrode and a posterior electrode, the anterior electrode and posterior electrode insulated from each other;
• a first conductive pathway extending from the anterior electrode to the distal end of the body;
• a second conductive pathway extending from the posterior electrode to the distal end of the body;
• an anterior emitter at a distal end of the first conductive pathway;
• and
• a posterior emitter at a distal end of the second conductive pathway, the posterior emitter disposed opposite the anterior emitter.

A method of manufacturing a dilator, the method comprising:

• selecting a body of the dilator, the body extending from a proximal end to a distal end;
• disposing a base insulative layer about the body;
• creating a clip attachment portion having a plurality of electrodes near the proximal end of the body;
• creating a first conductive pathway, the first conductive pathway extending from the clip attachment portion to a first emitter patch at the distal end of the body;
• creating a second conductive pathway, the second conductive pathway opposite from the first conductive pathway and extending from the clip attachment portion to a second emitter patch at the distal end of the body;
• and
• insulating the first conductive pathway.