Abstract: A system for percutaneously applying electrical stimulation to target nerve tissue to treat a patient having peripheral neuropathy includes a percutaneous electrode assembly, a power supply, and a pulse generator electrically coupled to the percutaneous electrode assembly and the power supply, the pulse generator configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the target nerve tissue via the percutaneous electrode assembly at a level that initiates vasodilation of vasculature within or adjacent the target nerve tissue, where the vasculature is responsible for perfusing the target nerve tissue and the electrical stimulation is delivered with a carrier frequency in the range of 25 kHz to 500 kHz.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for improving location accuracy of a radiofrequency ablation procedure performed on a patient is contemplated. The method includes identifying a target nerve to be ablated, wherein the nerve is suspected of being a source of pain; delivering a pharmacological agent to the nerve to temporarily block nerve signal transmission along the nerve; verifying the nerve is the source of pain if the temporary block reduces a level of pain experienced by the patient; placing a fiducial marker adjacent the nerve if it is verified that the temporary block reduces the level of pain experienced by the patient; locating the fiducial marker; and delivering radiofrequency energy to an area of tissue adjacent the fiducial marker via a probe. The area of tissue corresponds with the nerve, and the radiofrequency energy is applied at a level sufficient to ablate the nerve.

Abstract: Articles and methods for non-invasively treating peripheral neuropathy via transcutaneous electrical stimulation of target nerve tissue are described. An exemplary article includes a support on which an electrode pair is positioned; a controller attached to the electrode pair via one or more leads; and a power supply connected to the controller. The article delivers electrical stimulation to the target nerve tissue via the electrode pair at a level sufficient to initiate vasodilation of vasculature within or adjacent the tissue. Meanwhile, the method includes positioning at least one electrode pair adjacent an area of skin overlying or in close proximity to the target nerve tissue and delivering electrical stimulation to the tissue via the electrode pair. The electrical stimulation is delivered at a level sufficient to initiate vasodilation of vasculature within or adjacent the tissue.