Nerve stimulator output control needle with depth determination capability and method of use

摘要

An improved nerve stimulator needle which allows for improved ease of use and efficacy in the performance of targeted drug delivery to nerve. A variable control mechanism is contained in a housing to which a needle is attached and several electrical conductors are attached. The housing contains an embedded fluid path through which a syringe is attached to the needle. The variable control mechanism and the housing allows for positioning the needle and applying current to the needle with the same hand. The needle may also contain a linear resistive coating that enables the determination of the depth of the needle by determining the resistance of the length of the needle above the skin surface of a patient. Another embodiment of the needle may include an optical variable control mechanism.