Abstract: A method for locating neural tissue in a patient body may involve: advancing a probe along a natural tissue interface between the neural tissue and another tissue in the body, the probe having a first surface oriented toward the neural tissue and a second surface oriented away from the neural tissue; delivering a first electrical current to a first electrode along the first surface of the probe; delivering a second electrical current to a second electrode along the second surface of the probe; and verifying that the first surface of the advanced probe remains oriented toward the neural tissue and the second surface remains oriented away from the neural tissue by monitoring neural response to the first and second electrical currents.

Abstract: A method for locating neural tissue in a patient body may involve: advancing a probe along a natural tissue interface between the neural tissue and another tissue in the body, the probe having a first surface oriented toward the neural tissue and a second surface oriented away from the neural tissue; delivering a first electrical current to a first electrode along the first surface of the probe; delivering a second electrical current to a second electrode along the second surface of the probe; and verifying that the first surface of the advanced probe remains oriented toward the neural tissue and the second surface remains oriented away from the neural tissue by monitoring neural response to the first and second electrical currents.

Abstract: A method in which a probe is advanced between a neural tissue structure and a non-neural tissue structure such as the intervertebral foramen. The probe includes electrodes on opposite surfaces. Threshold currents required to stimulate action potentials for each electrode are determined. A ratio of the threshold currents are calculated. Tissue is removed from the non-neural tissue structure when the ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for making a probe for placing a guidewire between two tissues in a patient's body may involve forming at least one bend in a thin, rigid tube having a proximal end and a distal end, flattening at least part of the tube closer to the distal end than the proximal end, and removing a portion of the upper surface of the flattened part of the tube to form an aperture. A probe for placing a guidewire between two tissues in a patient's body may include: a thin, rigid tube having a proximal straight portion, a flattened distal portion, a bend disposed between the proximal and distal portions, and a lumen passing through the proximal portion and at least part of the distal portion; and a curved, flexible tubular member disposed at least partially within the lumen of the tube.

Abstract: A method for locating neural tissue in a patient body may involve: advancing a probe along a natural tissue interface between the neural tissue and another tissue in the body, the probe having a first surface oriented toward the neural tissue and a second surface oriented away from the neural tissue; delivering a first electrical current to a first electrode along the first surface of the probe; delivering a second electrical current to a second electrode along the second surface of the probe; and verifying that the first surface of the advanced probe remains oriented toward the neural tissue and the second surface remains oriented away from the neural tissue by monitoring neural response to the first and second electrical currents.