Apparatus and method for treating a neuromuscular defect

摘要

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.

主权项

1. A treatment probe comprising:
an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; and a needle portion connected to said distal end portion, said needle portion including at least one electrode and at least one fluid port, said at least one electrode and said at least one fluid port being configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that the electrical energy is delivered to the target nerve, but not to superficial tissue planes overlying the target nerve, and the superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve, said at least one electrode being disposed on an outer surface of said needle portion and located opposite said at least one fluid port; wherein said needle portion includes an elongated shaft having a closed, sharpened distal end; wherein said at least one fluid port is configured to deliver a tumescent fluid flow away from the target nerve; wherein electrical energy delivered by said at least one electrode is directed away from the flow of tumescent fluid through said at least one fluid port; wherein said needle portion further includes at least one sensing electrode that is axially spaced apart from said at least one electrode.