US5779642A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interrogation device and method
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1997-02-18
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Granted: 1998-07-14
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Expires: 2017-02-18
Abstract
Abstract An interrogation device is used to locate a nerve within the body. The device uses a piezoelectric crystal to locate a pulsing vessel proximate with the nerve. As the device is guided toward the nerve, it can emit an electric signal to stimulate the nerve. The operator can then watch for any physical reaction from the patient in response to nerve stimulation. As the device closes upon the nerve, pressure is applied with the needle to the vessel, thus compressing the vessel, diminishing the doppler response. Once the surface of the nerve is located, it can be accurately anesthetized.
Inventors
- 👤 Christopher Nightengale
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:25
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/05; A61N1/0551; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3401; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/36014; A61N1/36021; A61B5/00; A61B5/103; A61B5/11; A61B5/1104; A61B5/1106
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of locating a nerve in a body, said nerve associated with a vessel having flowing blood cells, said method comprising the steps of: (a) penetrating the body with a guide needle having an electrode contained therein, (b) guiding said needle into the body in response to a detector signal triggered by an ultrasound means within said electrode; and (c) guiding said needle to a position proximate the nerve in response to a predetermined muscle response from a stimulating signal emitted by said electrode.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of locating a nerve in a body, said nerve associated with a vessel having flowing blood cells, said method comprising the steps of: (a) penetrating the body with a guide needle having an electrode contained therein, (b) guiding said needle into the body in response to a detector signal triggered by an ultrasound means within said electrode; and (c) guiding said needle to a position proximate the nerve in response to a predetermined muscle response from a stimulating signal emitted by said electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 further comprises: (d) halting the movement of the guide needle when said detector signal diminishes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 further comprises: (d) injecting a substance through said needle into contact with the nerve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3 wherein step of injecting further comprises injecting an anesthetic into contact with said nerve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 further comprises removing said electrode from said guide needle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 5 further comprises inserting a medical instrument in said guide needle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 6 where said medical instrument is a guide wire.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the nerve and vessel are contained within a neurovascular bundle, further comprising the step of: (d) puncturing the bundle with said needle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising: (e) injecting a substance into the bundle through said needle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-07-13 | 2002-01-12 | 2002-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-07-13 | 2006-01-12 | 2006-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-07-13 | 2010-01-12 | 2010-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |