NERVE PROTECTING DISSECTION DEVICE

摘要

The present invention provides an energy based dissection device that automatically provides a nerve protection function. Specifically, the present invention operatively connects nerve monitoring technology and energy based dissection technology to provide a device that provides energy based dissection functionality that cannot operate, or operates differently, upon receipt of real time information from the nerve monitoring functionality that nerve damage may be imminent in the absence of such safety shutdown. The present invention also creates a real-time graphical display of the nerve, including size and location relative to the energy based dissection device to enable the operator to safely and accurately avoid damaging the nerve. Accordingly, the present invention provides a surgical device that removes human error and reaction time issues which prevent unintended dissection and concomitant nerve damage.

主权项

1. A surgical apparatus comprising:
a. a connection to: (i) an energy source capable of powering the apparatus; (ii) an energy based dissection device; and (iii) a nerve integrity monitoring device; and b. a communication link between:
i. said energy based dissection device; andii. said nerve integrity monitoring device wherein said nerve integrity monitoring device is capable of monitoring the integrity of a given nerve;iii. wherein said communication link is capable of receiving information supplied by said nerve integrity monitoring device and transmitting information to the energy based dissection device; performing the steps of:
1. receiving information from said nerve integrity monitoring device;2. interpreting said information;3. upon determining a nerve integrity reading that indicates that nerve integrity will likely be compromised by continued operation of the energy based dissection device;4. transmitting a functional control command to said energy based dissection device.