Abstract: A method and system for nerve identification, monitoring, location marking, and location recognition system used during laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A surgical system has an electrode probe, an analyzer, a bipolar instrument, a bipolar power supply and a switch, the switch in communication with the analyzer, the bipolar power supply and the bipolar instrument, to permit alternate use of the bipolar instrument as a surgical instrument and use as an exploratory probe. An electrode probe delivery device has a base plate, an insertion guide connected to and extending from the base plate and formed for receipt of an electrode probe. A catheter on the device permits receipt of at least one electrode probe and a handle connects to the catheter and permits movement thereof such that the catheter is passable through the base plate for introduction into a patient.

Abstract: A surgical method aids identification of nerves in a body to help prevent damage to the nerves during surgery to the body proximate the nerves. An electrode introduced to within a body cavity through a catheter is placed proximate a nerve within the body cavity by a laparoscopic or robotic device. An exploratory probe placed in the body cavity is selectively placed along a presumed pathway of the nerve to provide an electrical signal through the nerve to the electrode. An analyzer interfaced with the electrode analyzes the electrical signal received at the electrode to determine the proximity of the exploratory probe to the nerve, allowing mapping of the nerve pathway through the body cavity.