Becton Dickinson and Company Limited

Ralph F Messina

Peter Michael Edic

Robert J Strowe

Richard L Griffith

Frederick C Houghton

Jonathan C Newell

A self-contained electrolocation apparatus of the present invention includes an electrically conducting needle cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow bore therethrough. The invention further includes a non-conductive tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube being mounted over the needle cannula so that the distal end of the non-conductive tube is proximal to the distal end of the needle cannula. The non-conductive tube has a conductive layer thereon, whereby the needle cannula and the conductive layer respectively define first and second conductors coaxially spaced from one another by the non-conductive tube. There is a grip fixedly attached to the needle cannula for manipulating the apparatus. The grip has an electrical stimulus generator circuit within it that is electrically connected to the first conductor and the second conductor. The stimulus generator circuit is capable of applying a potential across the conductors so that when the needle is positioned in a patient's tissue and the electrical stimulus generator circuit is activated, the potential is sufficient to induce a preselected current thereby providing a charge pulse between the distal end of the conductive layer and the distal end of said needle cannula through the patient's tissue. The charge pulse is sufficient to induce a twitch response in the patient.

Bi-level charge pulse apparatus to facilitate nerve location during peripheral nerve block procedures

An electrolocation apparatus is provided for locating a nerve to which anesthesia may be delivered. The apparatus includes a needle assembly having an electrically conductive needle cannula non-conductive tube secured over the needle cannula, and a conductive plating on the tube. The conductors are connected to a stimulator that generates alternating high and low charge pulses with a constant low current level. The high charge pulses generate noticeable muscle twitches immediately after insertion of the needle into the patient. Muscle twitches responsive to the high charge pulses will peak in magnitude, and muscle twitches responsive to the low charge pulses will become observable as the needle approaches the targeted nerve, and will be indistinguishable from the muscle twitches responsive to the high charge pulses when the needle is in a position for administration of anesthetic.

Growing community of inventors

Belleville, NJ, United States of America

Ralph F Messina