Apparatus and method for treating a neuromuscular defect

摘要

A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.

主权项

1. A method for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject, said method comprising the steps of:
locating a target nerve in the face or neck of the subject; providing a treatment probe, the treatment probe comprising an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion including an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration and delivery mechanism, the treatment probe including a hollow post member that is integrally formed with the distal end portion of the elongated body, the hollow post member including an electrode and a sensor disposed thereon; verifying that the target nerve is an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively; injecting a tumescent fluid into the tissue surrounding the target nerve; and delivering an electric current to the enemy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.