Monopolar stimulation probe system
Inventors
Regan, Shawn V. • Smith, Isiah Daniel • Mewborne, James M. • Netherton, Brett L.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8137285-B1
Publication Date
2012-03-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
A probe system for use with a neuro-monitoring device includes a wire probe, a cable and a handle. The cable has an adaptor at one end that is pressed from the side of the handle into an adaptor-shaped portion of a channel formed in the handle. The channel runs the length of the handle. The wire probe has a probe tip on one end and is in electrical connection with the adaptor on the other end when that adaptor end is inserted into the channel of the handle and seated in the adaptor held by the handle. The sensor tip on the end of the wire probe is a conducting, smooth, hemisphere just beyond the end of the insulation covering wire probe and conducts signals between the tissue through which the probe passes and the cable. The handle has ribs formed thereon for giving the user better purchase on the probe for applying the requisite force and control, and windows formed along the sides of the handle to allow the user to confirm that the wire probe is fully seated in the adaptor.
Core Innovation
The described invention relates to a monopolar stimulation probe system for neuro-monitoring. The system includes a monopolar probe with an electrically insulated wire connected to a cable adaptor, and the probe tip is a conducting hemispherical probe tip. The insulation includes a tapered insulation layer, and the probe may include an insulated K-wire having a shaped probe tip and a second end free of insulation.
A handle is configured with an interior channel that runs toward a shaped portion open radially to the exterior surface at a side of the handle. The adaptor is pressed radially into the shaped portion so that it is seated within the handle, and the handle includes windows that enable visual confirmation that the adaptor and wire are fully seated. The handle includes a grip feature and an axial locking arrangement.
The axial locking arrangement prevents axial movement of the wire toward the second end of the handle while allowing movement of the wire toward the first end. This configuration enables the handle to be removed after insertion by sliding the wire from the first end of the channel and supports assembly and disassembly with temporary positioning for neural tissue identification, including an optional flat terminal for tapping into tissue.
Claims Coverage
The document provides four independent claims defining a monopolar probe and monopolar probe system for neuro-monitoring, centered on an electrically insulated wire with a free second end, a cable/adaptor receiving the free wire end, and a handle channel with a radially open configured portion that prevents distal axial movement while permitting proximal movement. Two independent claims further add attachment to a neuromonitoring device that emits a signal to the probe tip via the cable.
Monopolar probe with insulated wire and radially inserted adaptor
A monopolar probe for use with a neuro-monitoring device comprising an electrically insulated wire with a probe tip at a first end and an opposing second end free of insulation, a cable with a connector and an adaptor dimensioned to receive the second end of the wire, and a handle having an internal channel terminating in a shaped portion open radially to the exterior so the shaped portion receives the adaptor inserted radially from the exterior surface.
Handle configured to prevent distal axial movement while permitting proximal movement
A monopolar probe having a channel dimensioned to receive the second end of the wire inserted through the channel from the first end, where the adaptor in the shaped/configured portion prevents further axial movement of the second end of the wire toward the second end of the handle but not axial movement toward the first end so the handle is configured to be removed from the wire probe after insertion by sliding the wire from the first end of said channel.
Monopolar probe system with neuromonitoring device emitting a signal
A monopolar probe system comprising an electrically insulated wire with a probe tip and a free opposing second end, a cable with a connector and adaptor dimensioned to receive the second end, a handle with an internal channel terminating in a configured portion open radially to receive the adaptor and wire end, and a neuromonitoring device attached to the connector, adapted to emit a signal to the probe tip via the cable.
Probe system with handle channel receiving K-wire end via adaptor
A monopolar probe system including an insulated K-wire having a shaped probe tip and a second end free of insulation, a cable with a connector and an adaptor, and a handle with a channel carrying the second end of the K-wire from a first end toward a second end and terminating near the second end in a portion holding the adaptor, open to the exterior surface, where the adaptor prevents further axial movement of the second end of the K-wire toward the second end but not axial movement toward the first end.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is directed to an electrically insulated monopolar wire with an exposed free end, a cable with a connector and adaptor sized to receive that free end, and a handle with a radially open internal configured portion that cooperates with the adaptor to prevent distal axial movement while permitting proximal movement for handle removal after insertion. In the system claims, the connector is attached to a neuromonitoring device that emits a signal to the probe tip via the cable.
Stated Advantages
Enables removal of the handle from the wire probe after the wire probe is inserted into a patient by sliding the wire from the first end of the channel.
Supports assembly and disassembly and temporary positioning in the body for neural tissue identification.
Allows visual confirmation of full adaptor and wire seating through windows along the handle.
Helps provide neural tissue identification using an optional flat terminal for tapping into tissue.
Documented Applications
Temporary positioning of the probe in the body for neural tissue identification in a neuro-monitoring context.
Neural tissue identification involving an optional flat terminal for tapping into tissue.
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