Abstract: Systems and methods for discriminating and locating nerve tissues within a body involve applying a waveform signal to tissue between two electrodes and measuring the electrical characteristics of the signal transmitted through the tissue. Using impedance measurements, the (x, y) coordinates of a nerve relative to an electrode array on the skin surface, and the z-coordinate of the nerve depth position, may be determined. A controller may implement the process and perform the impedance calculations on the measured data to identify tissue types and locations within the measured area, and to present results in graphical form. Results may be combined with other tissue imaging technologies and with image-guided systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discriminating and locating tissues within a body involve applying a waveform signal to tissue between two electrodes and measuring the electrical characteristics of the signal transmitted through the tissue. At least one of the electrodes is constrained in area so that localized electrical characteristics of the tissue are measured. Such localized electrical characteristics are determined over a portion of a body of the subject by using an array of electrodes or electrodes that can be moved over the body. A controller may implement the process and perform calculations on the measured data to identify tissue types and locations within the measured area, and to present results in graphical form. Results may be combined with other tissue imaging technologies and with image-guided systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discriminating and locating tissues within a body involve applying a waveform signal to tissue between two electrodes and measuring the electrical characteristics of the signal transmitted through the tissue. At least one of the electrodes is constrained in area so that localized electrical characteristics of the tissue are measured. Such localized electrical characteristics are determined over a portion of a body of the subject by using an array of electrodes or electrodes that can be moved over the body. A controller may implement the process and perform calculations on the measured data to identify tissue types and locations within the measured area, and to present results in graphical form. Results may be combined with other tissue imaging technologies and with image-guided systems.

Abstract: A needle apparatus capable of measuring the depth of the needle in tissue of a patient includes a linear resistive coating on the needle. Resistance of the resistive layer changes with the length of the resistive layer. The depth of the needle in tissue is determined by measuring the resistance of the length of the needle above the skin surface of the patient.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and system for discriminating tissues in a subject, particularly for identifying nerve tissue, includes a processor, a waveform generator, a waveform electrode and a return electrode and an electrical property measuring device such as a volt meter. The electrodes are applied to the skin of the subject and an electrical waveform applied to the tissue via the electrodes. A series of electrical property measurements between the electrodes yield digital data that is used to determine coefficients of an approximating mathematical function, which is then used to derived electrical properties of the tissue. Derived electrical properties are then displayed on a display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discriminating and locating tissues within a body involve applying a waveform signal to tissue between two electrodes and measuring the electrical characteristics of the signal transmitted through the tissue. At least one of the electrodes is constrained in area so that localized electrical characteristics of the tissue are measured. Such localized electrical characteristics are determined over a portion of a body of the subject by using an array of electrodes or electrodes that can be moved over the body. A controller may implement the process and perform calculations on the measured data to identify tissue types and locations within the measured area, and to present results in graphical form. Results may be combined with other tissue imaging technologies and with image-guided systems.

Abstract: This invention presents a device, and the method it implements, which is an improvement in the design of nerve stimulators. Like conventional stimulators, it uses a percutaneous, insulated needle for the performance of therapeutic interventions targeting nerves. The improvement comprises offering an option for either constant current or constant voltage, offering a choice of waveform parameters, controlling a pulse generator, supplying a second background waveform, measuring the current and voltage applied to the tissue, computing further electrical characteristics, dynamically adjusting circuit components to ensure a desirable waveform applied to the tissue, and displaying measured and computed electrical characteristics of the tissue. The object is improved positioning of a needle tip near a nerve or nerve plexus for regional anesthesia, pain management, and other medical purposes.