US5775331A — Apparatus and method for locating a nerve

Claim 1

Independent Claim 124 words

An apparatus for stimulating and locating a nerve, comprising: means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; means for detecting a response to said stimulus; means for automatically modifying the site of stimulation, said means for automatically modifying the site of stimulation including means for interpreting the response provided by said response detecting means; and means for indicating the location of the nerve to the user; wherein said modifying means automatically modifies the site of a stimulus applied to the area of tissue likely to contain the nerve based on an interpretation of the detected response by said interpreting means to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 124 words

An apparatus for stimulating and locating a nerve, comprising: means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; means for detecting a response to said stimulus; means for automatically modifying the site of stimulation, said means for automatically modifying the site of stimulation including means for interpreting the response provided by said response detecting means; and means for indicating the location of the nerve to the user; wherein said modifying means automatically modifies the site of a stimulus applied to the area of tissue likely to contain the nerve based on an interpretation of the detected response by said interpreting means to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located applies said stimulus transcutaneously.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for applying a stimulus comprises a probe for applying the stimulus to an operative site within the area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located applies said stimulus to the plurality of sites via a natural body orifice.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 47 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located is a magnetic induction device capable of focusing a magnetic field to induce an electrical stimulating current.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located is an array of electrodes.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 38 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located is a patch comprising an array of electrodes.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 38 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located comprises an electrode movably positioned on a track.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said electrodes are arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 11 words

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said array includes 20-50 electrodes.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said electrodes are spaced 0.1-4.0 mm apart.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stimulator circuit disposed in connection with said stimulus applying means for generating a stimulus comprising a train of multiple pulses.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said electrodes are activated in successive triplets to determine the longitudinal axis and symmetry of the nerve.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 100 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said modifying means further comprises: memory for storing parameters of response states which correspond to successful and unsuccessful stimulation of the nerve, and recording means for recording and storing the response provided by said response detection means, wherein said interpreting means interprets data received from said response detection means and stored in said recording means, and wherein said interpreting means discriminates between states corresponding to periods of successful stimulation and states corresponding to periods of unsuccessful stimulation by comparing the response provided by said response detection means with the parameters stored in said memory.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 75 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said modifying means is a microprocessor comprising: memory for storing parameters of response states which correspond to successful and unsuccessful stimulation of the nerve; and recording means for recording and storing the response provided by said response detection means, wherein said microprocessor is coupled to said stimulus applying means by a first coupling means and said microprocessor is coupled to said response detecting means by a second coupling means.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 41 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said modifying means further comprises memory for storing an electrode selecting algorithm and said modifying means modifies subsequent application of the stimulus applied by said stimulus applying means in accordance with said electrode selecting algorithm.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stimulus applying means is a probe used intraoperatively.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for detecting a response to a stimulus is an ultrasonic density gauge.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 157 words

An apparatus for stimulating and locating the cavernosal nerve, comprising: a stimulator circuit for generating a stimulus; a probe disposed in connection with said stimulator circuit, said probe having a handle portion and a stimulating tip for applying a stimulus to an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located, said stimulating tip comprising an array of electrodes; a control means for governing activation of said array of electrodes, said control means comprising: memory for storing an electrode selecting algorithm which activates the electrodes of said array based on an evaluation of a change in a tumescence response to successful stimulation of the cavernosal nerve; and means for employing the electrode selecting algorithm; and a response detection means for detecting and measuring a tumescence response, wherein said response detection means provides tumescence response information to said control means for evaluation by said electrode selecting algorithm to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 157 words

An apparatus for stimulating and locating the cavernosal nerve, comprising: a stimulator circuit for generating a stimulus; a probe disposed in connection with said stimulator circuit, said probe having a handle portion and a stimulating tip for applying a stimulus to an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located, said stimulating tip comprising an array of electrodes; a control means for governing activation of said array of electrodes, said control means comprising: memory for storing an electrode selecting algorithm which activates the electrodes of said array based on an evaluation of a change in a tumescence response to successful stimulation of the cavernosal nerve; and means for employing the electrode selecting algorithm; and a response detection means for detecting and measuring a tumescence response, wherein said response detection means provides tumescence response information to said control means for evaluation by said electrode selecting algorithm to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said stimulator circuit generates a stimulus comprising a train of pulses.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said electrodes are spaced 1.0 mm apart.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said array of electrodes comprises 4-16 electrodes.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said response detection means is a tumescence monitor comprising distensible tubing filled with a conductive fluid in electrical contact with said control means.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said stimulator circuit generates a stimulus having parameters which range between 0.5-25 mA, 100-2000 μs, 4-50 Hz.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a suction port for the removal of bodily fluids from the surgical field.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a filter to isolate the change in the tumescence response from changes induced by surgical intervention while locating the nerve with the apparatus.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 49 words

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said probe includes a longitudinal axis and the most distal electrode of said array is angled at approximately 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of said probe to position the most distal electrode below the prostate gland or urethra of a patient.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said handle of said probe is flexible to enable positioning of the probe within the body tissue.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said apparatus further includes a means for indicating the location of the nerve to the user.

Claim 32

Independent Claim 89 words

An apparatus for locating and optimally stimulating a nerve, comprising: an implant comprising an array of electrodes for delivering a stimulus to a nerve; a control means for governing activation of said electrodes of said array, said array of electrodes being activated in accordance with an electrode selecting algorithm which evaluates a response to successful stimulation of the nerve; and a response detection means for detecting and measuring a response, said response detection means providing response feedback information to said control means for evaluation by said electrode selecting algorithm.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 89 words

An apparatus for locating and optimally stimulating a nerve, comprising: an implant comprising an array of electrodes for delivering a stimulus to a nerve; a control means for governing activation of said electrodes of said array, said array of electrodes being activated in accordance with an electrode selecting algorithm which evaluates a response to successful stimulation of the nerve; and a response detection means for detecting and measuring a response, said response detection means providing response feedback information to said control means for evaluation by said electrode selecting algorithm.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said electrodes are positioned in a multi-dimensional formation.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said electrodes are spaced 0.1-4.0 mm apart.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 30, wherein a selected subset of said electrodes are determined to be near the nerve and are activated in rapid sequence to optimally stimulate the nerve.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said nerve is the cavernosal nerve.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 30, wherein said implant is a stent inserted within a natural body cavity of the patient.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said response detection means is a tumescence monitor.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 44 words

A method for stimulating the cavernosal nerve comprising the step of: applying a stimulus, said stimulus being capable of initiating sub-maximal tumescence of the penis such that subsequent tumescence responses to subsequently applied stimuli occur with shorter delay from the onset of successful stimulation.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 44 words

A method for stimulating the cavernosal nerve comprising the step of: applying a stimulus, said stimulus being capable of initiating sub-maximal tumescence of the penis such that subsequent tumescence responses to subsequently applied stimuli occur with shorter delay from the onset of successful stimulation.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 37, wherein said stimulus is a train of electrical pulses.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 38, wherein the parameters of said stimulus are within the range of 0.5-25 mA, 100-2000 μs, 4-50 Hz.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 38, wherein said stimulus is applied to the nerve by a probe having an array of electrodes.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 40, wherein said array comprises 4-16 electrodes.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 37, wherein said stimulus is a drug capable of evoking a tumescence response.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 10 words

The method of claim 42, wherein said drug is papaverine.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 37, wherein said stimulus is a vibrating pulse.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 103 words

A method for stimulating and locating the cavernosal nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a stimulus to a tissue site likely to contain the nerve to be located to evoke a tumescence response, the stimulus having an intensity known to stimulate the nerve when the site of stimulation is within a known distance from the nerve; (b) detecting a tumescence response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) evaluating the tumescence response to stimulation of the nerve; and (d) automatically modifying the site of subsequent stimulation based on the evaluation of the tumescence response to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 103 words

A method for stimulating and locating the cavernosal nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a stimulus to a tissue site likely to contain the nerve to be located to evoke a tumescence response, the stimulus having an intensity known to stimulate the nerve when the site of stimulation is within a known distance from the nerve; (b) detecting a tumescence response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) evaluating the tumescence response to stimulation of the nerve; and (d) automatically modifying the site of subsequent stimulation based on the evaluation of the tumescence response to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 45, wherein said applying step comprises the step of generating a stimulus of an intensity known to stimulate the cavernosal nerve when the site of stimulation is within 1 mm of the nerve.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 45 further comprising the step of repeating steps (a)-(d) until localization of the nerve is achieved.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of indicating to the user the location of the nerve.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 45, wherein said applying step is performed by a probe having an array of electrodes.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 45, wherein said applying step is performed by an implant having an array of electrodes positioned in a multi-dimensional arrangement.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 50, wherein said applying step further comprises the step of activating the electrodes of said implant in successive triplets to determine the longitudinal axis of the nerve to optimally stimulate the nerve.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 45, wherein said applying step comprises the step of generating a stimulus comprising a current pulse of 0.5-25 mA.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 45, wherein said applying step comprises the step of generating a stimulus comprising a train of pulses.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 45, wherein said detecting step is performed by a tumescence monitor which detects successful stimulation of the cavernosal nerve.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 54, wherein said evaluating step is performed by a response interpreting means which interprets a change in the tumescence response.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 49, wherein said modifying step is performed by a modifying means comprising a memory which automatically modifies the site of stimulation among the electrodes of said array in accordance with an electrode selecting algorithm stored in said memory.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 61 words

The method of claim 45 further comprising the step of priming the nerve by applying a stimulus to the nerve, said stimulus being capable of initiating sub-maximal tumescence of the penis such that subsequent tumescence responses to subsequently applied stimuli occur with shorter delay from the onset of successful stimulation, and wherein said priming step is performed prior to step (a).

Claim 63

Independent Claim 70 words

A method for locating a nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a stimulus to a tissue site likely to contain the nerve to be located; (b) detecting a response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) evaluating the response to successful stimulation of the nerve; and (d) automatically modifying the site of subsequent stimulation based on the evaluation of the response to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 64

Independent Claim 70 words

A method for locating a nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a stimulus to a tissue site likely to contain the nerve to be located; (b) detecting a response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) evaluating the response to successful stimulation of the nerve; and (d) automatically modifying the site of subsequent stimulation based on the evaluation of the response to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 58, wherein said applying step comprises the step of generating a stimulus of an intensity known to stimulate the nerve when the site of stimulation is within a known distance from the nerve.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 58 further comprising the step of repeating said steps (a)-(d) until localization of the nerve is achieved.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 60, further comprising the step of indicating to the user the location of the nerve.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 58, wherein said applying step is performed by an instrument including an array of electrodes.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method of claim 58, wherein said modifying step is performed by a modifying means which automatically modifies the site of stimulation in accordance with a site selecting algorithm which is based on information provided by a response detecting means and stimulation input means.

Claim 70

Independent Claim 112 words

An apparatus for locating a nerve, comprising: a source of electricity; a stimulus applying means coupled to said source of electricity for applying a stimulus to an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located, said stimulus applying means including an array of electrodes; means for detecting a response to said stimulus; means for varying activation of the electrodes of said array; and indicating means for indicating location of the nerve to the user, wherein said activation means varies activation of the electrodes of said array based on the detected response to the stimulus applied by said stimulus applying means to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 71

Independent Claim 112 words

An apparatus for locating a nerve, comprising: a source of electricity; a stimulus applying means coupled to said source of electricity for applying a stimulus to an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located, said stimulus applying means including an array of electrodes; means for detecting a response to said stimulus; means for varying activation of the electrodes of said array; and indicating means for indicating location of the nerve to the user, wherein said activation means varies activation of the electrodes of said array based on the detected response to the stimulus applied by said stimulus applying means to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 72

Independent Claim 108 words

A method for stimulating and locating the cavernosal nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a low intensity stimulus to a tissue site likely to contain the nerve to evoke a sub-maximal tumescence response, said stimulus having an intensity known to stimulate the nerve when the site of stimulation is within a minimal distance from the nerve; (b) detecting a tumescence response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) evaluating the differential of the tumescence response to stimulation of the nerve; (d) automatically modifying the site of subsequent stimulation based on the evaluation of the differential of the tumescence response to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 73

Independent Claim 108 words

A method for stimulating and locating the cavernosal nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a low intensity stimulus to a tissue site likely to contain the nerve to evoke a sub-maximal tumescence response, said stimulus having an intensity known to stimulate the nerve when the site of stimulation is within a minimal distance from the nerve; (b) detecting a tumescence response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) evaluating the differential of the tumescence response to stimulation of the nerve; (d) automatically modifying the site of subsequent stimulation based on the evaluation of the differential of the tumescence response to further stimulate the nerve to determine its location.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 65 further comprising the step of repeating steps (a)-(d) until localization of the nerve is achieved.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 66, further comprising the step of indicating to the user the location of the nerve.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 65, wherein said applying step is performed by an array of electrodes, each electrode of said array having a diameter less than 2 mm.

Claim 77

Independent Claim 119 words

An apparatus for stimulating and locating a nerve, comprising: means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; means for detecting and measuring a response to said stimulus; means for automatically modifying the site of stimulation within the area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; means for determining the location of the nerve to be located, wherein said means for determining the location of the nerve evaluates the responses elicited by application of a stimulus to each of said plurality of sites to determine the location of the nerve; and means for indicating the location of the nerve to the operator.

Claim 78

Independent Claim 119 words

An apparatus for stimulating and locating a nerve, comprising: means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; means for detecting and measuring a response to said stimulus; means for automatically modifying the site of stimulation within the area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; means for determining the location of the nerve to be located, wherein said means for determining the location of the nerve evaluates the responses elicited by application of a stimulus to each of said plurality of sites to determine the location of the nerve; and means for indicating the location of the nerve to the operator.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said applying means is a probe.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 70, wherein said probe comprises an array of electrodes.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 37 words

The apparatus of claim 71 further comprising memory and wherein said modifying means automatically modifies the site of stimulation by activating said array of electrodes in accordance with a predefined electrode activating program stored in said memory.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 11 words

The apparatus of claim 72, wherein said array comprises 8 electrodes.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 69, wherein the nerve to be located is the cavernosal nerve and said means for detecting and measuring a response is a tumescence monitor.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said modifying means automatically modifies the site of stimulation in accordance with a predefined program.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 75 further comprising memory for storing said predefined program for automatically modifying the site of stimulation.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 76, wherein said memory contains at least one predefined program.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus of claim 69 further comprising recording means for recording and storing the responses provided by said response detecting and measuring means and wherein the differential of the responses stored in said recording means is evaluated and compared by said location determining means.

Claim 88

Independent Claim 61 words

A method for locating a nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a stimulus to a site within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; (b) detecting a response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) measuring the detected response; and (d) automatically modifying the site of subsequent stimulation in accordance with a predefined site selecting program.

Claim 89

Independent Claim 61 words

A method for locating a nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a stimulus to a site within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; (b) detecting a response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) measuring the detected response; and (d) automatically modifying the site of subsequent stimulation in accordance with a predefined site selecting program.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 53 words

The method of claim 79 further comprising the steps of: (e) applying a subsequent stimulus to the tissue site as modified in accordance with said predefined site selecting program; (f) detecting a response to the subsequent stimulus; and (g) comparing the differential of the detected responses to determine the location of the nerve.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 80 further comprising the step of: (h) repeating steps (a)-(g).

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 81 further comprising the step of: (i) indicating the location of the nerve to the operator.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 80 further comprising the step of: (h) indicating the location of the nerve to the operator.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 79, wherein said applying step is performed by an array of electrodes positioned on a probe.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 84, wherein the nerve to be located is the cavernosal nerve and wherein said detecting step is performed by a tumescence monitor.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 79, wherein said modifying step is performed by a modifying means comprising memory for storing said predefined site selecting program.

Claim 97

Independent Claim 108 words

An apparatus for stimulating and locating a nerve, comprising: means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; means for detecting and measuring a response to said stimulus; means for determining the location of the nerve to be located, wherein said means for determining the location of the nerve evaluates the responses elicited by application of a stimulus to each of said plurality of sites within the area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to determine the location of the nerve; and means for indicating the location of the nerve to the user.

Claim 98

Independent Claim 108 words

An apparatus for stimulating and locating a nerve, comprising: means for applying a stimulus to a plurality of sites within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; means for detecting and measuring a response to said stimulus; means for determining the location of the nerve to be located, wherein said means for determining the location of the nerve evaluates the responses elicited by application of a stimulus to each of said plurality of sites within the area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to determine the location of the nerve; and means for indicating the location of the nerve to the user.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 87, wherein said applying means is a probe comprising at least one electrode.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the nerve to be located is the cavernosal nerve and said means for detecting and measuring a response is a tumescence monitor.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus of claim 87 further comprising recording means for recording and storing the responses provided by said response detecting and measuring means and wherein the differential of the responses stored in said recording means is evaluated and compared by said location determining means.

Claim 102

Independent Claim 87 words

A method for locating a nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a stimulus to a site within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; (b) detecting a response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) measuring the detected response; (d) modifying the site of subsequent stimulation; (e) applying a subsequent stimulus to the modified site of stimulation; and (f) evaluating the detected responses elicited by application of a stimulus to each of the stimulation sites to determine the location of the nerve.

Claim 103

Independent Claim 87 words

A method for locating a nerve, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a stimulus to a site within an area of tissue likely to contain the nerve to be located; (b) detecting a response to stimulation of the nerve; (c) measuring the detected response; (d) modifying the site of subsequent stimulation; (e) applying a subsequent stimulus to the modified site of stimulation; and (f) evaluating the detected responses elicited by application of a stimulus to each of the stimulation sites to determine the location of the nerve.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 91 further comprising the step of: (g) repeating steps (a)-(f).

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of: (h) indicating the location of the nerve.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 91 further comprising the step of: (g) indicating the location of the nerve.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 91, wherein said applying step is performed by an array of electrodes positioned on a probe.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 95, wherein said modifying step is performed automatically by a modifying means comprising memory for storing a predefined site selecting program and wherein the electrodes of said array are activated in accordance with said site selecting program.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 91, wherein the nerve to be located is the cavernosal nerve and wherein said detecting step is performed by a tumescence monitor.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 91, wherein said applying step is performed by a single electrode positioned on a probe.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 98, wherein said modifying step is performed manually.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-07-06	2002-01-05	2002-07-07	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-07-06	2006-01-05	2006-07-07	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-07-06	2010-01-05	2010-07-07	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Apparatus and method for locating a nerve

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