Abstract: A method of assessing the likelihood that an infected subject develops sepsis, using an input radiofrequency signal received from the subject responsively to an output radiofrequency signal transmitted to the subject. The method comprises: processing the input signal to provide a processed signal, analyzing the processed signal to determine a characteristic pulse morphology of the processed signal, and using the characteristic pulse morphology for assessing the likelihood that the subject develops sepsis.

Abstract: A device, kit and method for monitoring muscle activity. The device may include an electrode having an annular profile substantially similar to that of the muscle. During a monitoring operation, the electrode contacts a substantial portion of the muscle and detects the muscle activity. In some cases, the electrode may be positioned around a catheter device to facilitate advancing of the electrode to the desired muscle. The catheter device may then be advanced through a lumen of the body to the muscle to be monitored. A balloon of the catheter device may be expanded once the catheter device is properly positioned to secure the electrode against the muscle.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method diagnoses esophageal reflux in a patient. A catheter includes a first pressure sensor configured to measure intra-abdominal pressure when the catheter is inserted into the stomach of a patient. A second pressure sensor is located proximal to the distal tip and configured to measure intra-thoracic pressure. A pH indicator is carried by the catheter body and configured to indicate that reflux has occurred in response to an involuntary reflex cough test. A processing device is configured to receive data regarding the first and second pressure sensors and regarding the pH indicator and process that data and assess if reflux is present during the involuntary epoch.

Abstract: A method for determining if surgically-implanted cervical, thoracic or lumbar hardware should be removed from an individual. The method utilizes diagnostic data acquired from a test protocol performed by an electrodiagnostics functional assessment (EFA) device. The diagnostic data is selected from the group consisting of electromyography (EMG), range-of-motion (ROM), functional capacity assessment (ECA), muscle data, myofascial data, structural data, nerve data or ischemic data.

Abstract: An electromyography muscle sensing system including a sensor platform and a cloud-based data analysis and storage platform. The sensor platform has an electromyography muscle sensor having sensing electrodes and a signal processing circuit having a sensor output, an analog-to-digital converter having a digital output, a memory, a communications device, a display indicating a status and an indication of CMAP presence, a microcontroller maintaining a record of a current procedure, transmitting in real-time the record, determining if CMAP is being achieved, and displaying a status or indication of CMAP. The data analysis and storage platform has a database, organizes and stores the output data, maintains a history of each procedure, analyzes the output data and defines a successful CMAP outcome, predicts an outcome of the current procedure if the output data correlates with stored output data of a successful CMAP outcome, and real-time communicates the outcome of the current procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and analyzing the characteristics of seizures, such as tonic-clonic seizures, comprising at least one processor unit capable of recording a signal from a sensor unit, one or more analysis modules configured to analyze the recorded signal, one or more evaluation modules configured to evaluate the output signals from the analysis modules. A first analysis module is configured to analyze the recorded signal within a first frequency band, and a second analysis module is configured to analyze the recorded signal within a second frequency band, and the evaluation module is configured to calculate the ratio between the two output signals from the analysis modules. The system includes a seizure detection module configured to detect a seizure and a time-point extraction module configured to determine at least one starting point and an end point of the seizure.

Abstract: A nasogastric/orogastric (Ng/Og) airway protection device includes an elongate device body having a distal end for insertion into the stomach through the esophagus and a proximal end. A main lumen extends the length of the device and is configured for at least one of gastric decompression, enteral feeding and enteral medication administration. A sump port is at the distal end. A sump lumen is formed the length of the device body and configured for venting gas and preventing adherence of the device against the gastric wall. An inflatable esophageal cuff is carried by the device body mid-esophagus and an inflation lumen is formed within the device body and connects the inflatable esophageal cuff through which the esophageal cuff is inflated and deflated. Upon inflation of the esophageal cuff, emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach past the esophageal cuff positioned mid-esophagus to protect a patient's airway.

Abstract: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) can be used for the assessment and diagnosis of muscular disorders. EIM includes applying an electrical signal to a region of tissue and measuring a resulting signal. A characteristic of the region of tissue is determined based on the measurement. Performing EIM at different frequencies and/or different angular orientations with respect to a muscle can aid in the assessment and diagnosis. Devices are described that facilitate assessment and diagnosis using EIM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring muscular activity, in particular in relation to bruxism, and providing an electrical stimulation in response to the measured muscular activity through electrodes applied to the skin of an individual, wherein the quality of the connectivity of the electrodes to the skin is monitored and the electrical stimulation signal is changed based on said quality measurement.

Abstract: A device blocks emesis and/or reflex and includes a tube insertable into the esophagus. The tube includes an inflation lumen. A valve is carried by the tube and includes a flexible sheath having an upper edge secured onto the tube and a lower circumferential edge. An inflatable balloon is associated with the flexible sheath and in communication with the inflation lumen. Upon inflation of the balloon, the flexible sheath opens in a concave configuration towards the stomach and the unsecured lower circumferential edge engages the esophageal wall and blocks emesis and/or reflux from the stomach passing into the esophagus past the valve.

Abstract: A system and method tests the gastric valve and urethral sphincter in a patient. A contrast agent is administered into the esophagus of a patient followed by inducing an involuntary reflex cough epoch within the patient to isolate the gastric valve from the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and isolate the external urethral sphincter from the internal urethral sphincter. An imaging sensor detects the flow of the contrast agent during the involuntary reflex cough epoch and determines whether stomach reflux occurred indicative of a malfunctioning gastric valve. A determination is made if urine leakage occurs indicative of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Abstract: A device to block emesis and/or reflux includes a tube insertable into the esophagus. A valve is carried by the tube and includes a flexible sheath having an upper edge secured onto the tube and an unsecured lower circumferential edge and configured such that upon contact with emesis and/or reflux from the stomach, the flexible sheath opens in a concave configuration towards the stomach and the unsecured lower circumferential edge engages the esophageal wall and blocks emesis and/or reflux from the stomach passing into the esophagus past the valve.

Abstract: A nasogastric/orogastric (Ng/Og) device includes a main lumen configured for at least one of gastric decompression, enteral feeding and enteral medication administration. An expandable esophageal cuff is carried by the device body and configured in a normally expanded position such that when inserted within the esophagus, the esophageal cuff conforms to the interior surface of the esophagus and emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach and past the esophageal cuff. A vacuum lumen is carried by the device body and connected to the expandable esophageal cuff. When vacuum is applied, the esophageal cuff is contracted against the device body to permit the device to be inserted and placed within the esophagus. When the vacuum is released, the esophageal cuff expands against the interior surface of the esophagus.

Abstract: A myography system and method involves the use of reflected energy and/or pass-through energy to determine muscle activity as an alternative or in addition to using native signals which originate from the muscle being studied.

Abstract: A wearable physiological sensing device with optical pathways is described. The wearable physiological sensing device may include at least one light source; a first light pipe coupled with the at least one light source, the first light pipe at least partially circumscribing an extremity of a patient, and including at least one aperture for radiating light from the light source into the extremity. The wearable physiological sensing device may also include a second light pipe including at least one aperture for receiving the light radiated through the extremity, the second light pipe at least partially circumscribing the extremity of the patient, and an optical receiver coupled with the second light pipe configured to receive the light and output one or more signals representative of the received light.

Abstract: A contact sensor and system for incorporation within clothing and other wearable items to monitor activity at a body surface. The sensor includes a contact membrane having a body surface contacting area and one or more base layers of knitted fabric. The base layer(s) is thicker over an area congruent with the body surface contacting area of the contact membrane. As a result, the contact membrane is urged into the forming of a raised outer surface for projection against a body surface.

Abstract: An exemplary EMG response detection system may be configured to 1) direct an implantable stimulator to sequentially present a plurality of substantially identical stimulation events to a patient, 2) record a plurality of EMG signals generated by a muscle in the patient and each corresponding to a presentation of a particular stimulation event included in the plurality of substantially identical stimulation events, 3) determine an asynchronous component of each of the recorded EMG signals, and 4) utilize the asynchronous components of the recorded EMG signals to determine whether an EMG response is evoked by the stimulation events.

Abstract: A health care apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes: a motion sensing unit; a bio-electric potential sensing unit sensing an electric potential signal of the health examinee corresponding to the sensed result; and an analysis unit analyzing the sensed result. By recognizing a current motion of the examinee and sensing an electric potential signal corresponding to the recognized current motion from the examinee, a more reliable health index of the examinee can be calculated. Even when information on the current motion of the health examinee is not given, the current motion can be recognized by the apparatus and method. Furthermore, since the health examinee is notified of the calculated health index in real time, the health examinee can be informed immediately if the physical condition is in an emergency state. As a result, the examinee can respond quickly to the emergency situation.

Abstract: A signal processing module includes an input module electronically coupled to a sensing probe of a nerve integrity monitoring system. The probe senses electrical signals from a patient during operation of an electrosurgical unit. The input module receives an input signal from the probe. An EMG detection module is coupled to the input module and is adapted to detect conditions in the input signal. The conditions are classified as a function of a level of electromyographic activity. An output module, coupled to the EMG detection module, provides an indication of electromyographic activity in the input signal based on the detected conditions.

Abstract: Loosing the ability to interact with one's environment can be devastating. The invention enables a person to control the real or virtual action or movement of an output device in from one to three dimensions through the use of at least one electrical sensor implanted beneath the skin or as a part of a headset on either one side or on both sides of the person's head in electrical communication with a vestigial periauricular nerve or muscle. Each sensor communicates through a selected channel to transmit information preferably in digital form to an output device designating an action to be taken or the position of a target location for enabling the output device to perform the action or to move toward or to a target location through real or virtual space. At least one and preferably up to four sensors are located on each side of the head.

Abstract: An endoscopic pedicle probe for use during spinal surgery to form a hole in a pedicle for reception of a pedicle screw has an enlarged proximal end for cooperation with the hand of the surgeon and an elongate shaft terminating in a distal tip that may be pushed through the pedicle to form the hole. An integrated endoscope and light extend through the shaft to enable the surgeon to visually observe the target area, and a conduit extends through the shaft to convey a fluid to irrigate the target area. In a preferred form the probe is connected with an electromyographic monitoring system to alert the surgeon when a breach is about to occur. In a further embodiment, two endoscopes are associated with the probe. The complete probe may be disposable, or just the tip may be detachable for disposal or replacement.

Abstract: A probe system for electro-stimulation and bio-feedback training of muscles in the pelvic floor region, in particular for pelvic floor physiotherapy and diagnosis, includes a probe having a probe body which is insertable into a vagina or a rectum, and a plurality of electrodes which are positioned at several locations along the length and around the circumference on the outer surface of the probe, the probe system further includes a control unit, operationally coupled to the probe, adapted for receiving EMG signals from each of the electrodes and for processing each of the signals for mapping the response of the muscles in the pelvic floor region.

Abstract: A method of detecting seizures may comprise receiving an EMG signal and processing the received EMG signal to determine whether a seizure characteristic is present in the EMG signal during a time window. An apparatus for detecting seizures with motor manifestations may comprise one or more EMG electrodes capable of providing an EMG signal substantially representing seizure-related muscle activity; and a processor configured to receive the EMG signal, process the EMG signal to determine whether a seizure may be occurring, and generate an alert if a seizure is determined to be occurring based on the EMG signal.

Abstract: Acoustic impulses from a muscle are converted into an electrical signal with a transducer such as a piezo film microphone, and analog or digital signal processing circuitry determines the density of self-similar spectral components of the signal and generating an output signal representative of the contractile force of the muscle based upon the density of the self-similar spectral components. The circuitry is used to determine self-similar spectral components of the signal and the density of those components, and the density is used to provide an output signal filtering. Different embodiments use combinations of filtering, Fourier analysis and correlation or auto-correlation. The self-similar spectral components may be pre-determined or determined through signal processing. The output signal may be used to calculate muscle contractile force, fatigue or other muscle conditions.

Abstract: A neural monitoring system for determining a proximity between a stimulator and a nerve within an intracorporeal treatment area of a human subject includes a stimulator, a mechanical sensor, and a receiver. The stimulator is configured to extend within the intracorporeal treatment area and to provide an electrical stimulus therein. The mechanical sensor is configured to be placed in mechanical communication with the muscle and to generate a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a sensed mechanical movement of the muscle. The receiver is configured to: receive the mechanomyography output signal from the mechanical sensor; receive an indication of a magnitude of the provided intracorporeal stimulus; determine a magnitude of acceleration of the muscle from the received mechanomyography output signal; and determine a proximity between the stimulator and the nerve from the magnitude of the provided intracorporeal stimulus and the magnitude of acceleration of the muscle.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.

Abstract: In system for recording and processing a signal for diagnosing an auditory system, a system for measuring signals of bioelectric activity of brain (EEG signal) or eye (EOG signal) or muscle (EMG signal) or their combination obtained from electrodes (11, 21, 22) attached to head skin of a person to be tested communicates with system (105) informing about sleep phase occurrence through an input (27). A system for measuring an auditory brainstem response signal (ABR signal) evoked by acoustic stimulation is automatically activated by a circuit (106) for automatic activation connected to the system (105) informing about sleep phase occurrence and measures the ABR signal. The system also includes a recording system (101, 102) of the ABR signal in a configurable period of time measured from the time of acoustic stimulation and system (103) to present the ABR signal in graphical form.

Abstract: The system for displaying muscle force data includes a wearable patch and a remote visual display. The wearable patch carries electrodes suitable for sensing electromyographic signals on the skin of the patient. The patch carries circuitry which converts the detected electromyographic signal to a digital output which can be transmitted to the remote visual display. The circuitry relies on filtering to produce a usable digital signal at very low power consumption. The transmitted signal can be used to drive a variety of visual displays, including a conventional hand-held personal communicators and entertainment devices which had been programmed to suitably process the visual display.

Abstract: Methods for determining structural integrity of a bone within the spine of a patient, the bone having a first aspect and a second aspect, wherein the second aspect separated from the first aspect by a width and located adjacent to a spinal nerve. The methods involve (a) applying an electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (b) electrically monitoring a muscle myotome associated with the spinal nerve to detect if an onset neuro-muscular response occurs in response to the application of the electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (c) automatically increasing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus to until the onset neuro-muscular response is detected; and (d) communicating to a user via at least one of visual and audible means information representing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus which caused the onset neuro-muscular response.

Abstract: A device for measuring electromyographic signals 2 is adapted to receive, through multiple channels “C”, electromyographic signals “EMG” sensed by a plurality of electrodes 3 arranged on a patient “P”. The device 2 includes: a conditioning circuit 21; a conversion circuit 22; a transmission circuit 23 to transmit the digitalized signals to a central control unit 1; an external casing 20 to enclose the circuits (21, 22, 23). The conditioning circuit 21 can be assembled modularly by establishing a cascade connection of one or more conditioning circuits 21. The conversion circuit 22 can be assembled modularly by connecting in parallel one or more conversion circuits 22 to vary the number of channels “C” through which electromyographic signals “EMG” are received. The conditioning circuits 21 and the conversion circuits 22 overlap at least partially to limit the dimensions of the external casing 20, ensuring wearability on the patient “P”.

Abstract: An in-ear orthotic with one or more features to help manage or reduce pain, discomfort, or other symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder. Also disclosed are methods of using optical scanning to create a three dimensional replication of the ear canal that is used to design a customized in-ear orthotic to help manage one or more symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder.

Abstract: An in-ear device with one or more proprioceptive features for providing an indication to a subject to help manage or reduce pain, discomfort, or other symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. In some embodiments, the one or more proprioceptive features are active and/or passive indicators. Also disclosed are methods of using optical scanning to create a three dimensional replication of the ear canal that is used to design a customized in-ear device.

Abstract: An in-ear device with one or more proprioceptive features for providing an indication to a subject to help manage or reduce pain, discomfort, or other symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. Also disclosed are methods of using optical scanning to create a three dimensional replication of the ear canal that is used to design a customized in-ear device. In some embodiments, the in-ear device is customized based on the configuration of the subject's ear canal when the subject's jaw is in the therapeutic or optimal position.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning an electrode for cardiotherapy of atrial arrhythmia are described. Signals from patient electrical activity for a plurality of electrode locations on a patient are analyzed. An electrode can be repositioned to different locations on the patient to obtain signals from patient electrical activity therefrom. A human perceptible output indicative of the quality of the signals for the plurality of locations is generated and a final electrode location on the patient for placement of the electrode for cardiotherapy is identified based on the human perceptible output.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a nerve within a subject includes a stimulator configured to provide a stimulus to a portion of the subject, a sensing device configured to be placed in communication with a muscle of the subject and to generate an output signal corresponding to a monitored parameter of the muscle, the sensing device including a mechanical sensor configured to monitor a mechanical parameter of the muscle, and a receiver configured to receive the output signal from the sensing device and to determine if the output signal corresponds to the stimulus provided by the stimulator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for stimulating and monitoring intensity of pain experienced by one or more users. The method includes measuring the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users on a pre-determined scale and augmented chart or physician's personal assessment using a plurality of one or more bio-markers, determining co-relation between the plurality of one or more bio-markers and the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users, refining the co-relation between the plurality of one or more bio-markers and the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users by learning from responses of one or more similar users, generating a pain profile for each of the one or more users and utilizing the learned information and the generated profile for monitoring, evaluating and treating the one or more users.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for restoring or improving nervous system function of a subject. Provided is a method involving: (i) providing an operant conditioning protocol effective to produce targeted neural plasticity (TNP) in a primary targeted central nervous system (CNS) pathway of a subject; and (ii) administering the operant conditioning protocol to the subject to elicit TNP in the primary targeted CNS pathway and to elicit generalized neural plasticity (GNP) in one or more other CNS pathway. The elicitation of the GNP in the one or more other CNS pathway serves to restore or improve a nervous system function of the subject. Provided is a device comprising a nerve stimulation-electromyographic recording component and a controller for operating the nerve stimulation-electromyographic recording component in accordance with an operant conditioning protocol.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for measuring muscle reflexes (e.g., a bulbocavernosus reflex) as a tool for identifying/diagnosing dysfunctions (e.g., spinal cord abnormalities, bladder voiding dysfunction, and sexual organ dysfunction) non-invasively by using mechanical stimulation. The system and method includes a probe having a predetermined patient contacting portion, wherein when the contacting portion is moved into contact with a particular area of the patient (e.g., the patient's genitals), the contact induces a muscle reflex. The probe detects the pressure resulting from the contacting portion being abruptly and forcibly brought into contact with the particular area. Such detection is used to electronically initiate capture of electrical responses from a plurality of electrodes placed on the patient's skin in proximity to the particular area. Such electrical responses are processed to determine characteristics of the patient's reflexes of one or more muscles adjacent to the electrodes.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for applying a treatment therapy for sleep disordered breathing. The system includes a sensing module configured to sense physiologic conditions and an implantable pulse generator in communication with the sensing module and including an automatic therapy manager. The automatic therapy manager operates in a first state to detect sleep indicative behavior, a second state to detect sleep disordered breathing behavior, and a third state to apply a nerve stimulation signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for enhancing or diminishing synaptic strength. Embodiments of the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus can be used, for example, to complement the change in synaptic strength from transcranial direct current stimulation (“tDCS”) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (“TMS”) systems. One exemplary embodiment disclosed herein is a flexible housing having a top surface and a bottom surface. The flexible housing of this embodiment comprises a recessed cavity on the bottom surface that is configured to at least partially enclose an electrode of a transcranial direct current stimulator system. The flexible housing of this embodiment further comprises one or more apertures configured to provide access to the recessed cavity when the electrode is positioned within the recessed cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for a closed-loop cochlear implant. The closed-loop cochlear implant can use at least one extra-cochlear electrode for monitoring auditory evoked potentials from the peripheral and central auditory pathway and stimulating to optimize speech processing. The closed-loop cochlear implant can further use at least one intra-cochlear electrode to stimulate the auditory nerve. Additionally, in some embodiments, the closed-loop cochlear implant can be used to monitor biosignals, such as EMG and ECG.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training program generation and modification of that program based on assessed functional state and/or workload performance. User-interface logic preferably operating on a mobile device permits a user to record bio-signals indicative of functional state. Assessment-adjustment logic, that may be located at a distance, conducts body system assessments from the received bio-signal data and produces training session targets based on the current functional state of the user. User training objective data may be input through the user-interface logic. Workload performance may be monitored and the training session targets modified based on measured past performance to improve future performance. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant unit delivery tool is provided. The implant delivery tool may include a body, a holder disposed at a distal end of the body and adapted to hold an implant unit, and an implant activator associated with the body, the implant activator configured to receive power from a power source. The implant activator may be configured to selectively and wirelessly transfer power from the power source to the implant unit during implantation of the implant unit into the body of a subject to cause modulation of at least one nerve in the body of the subject, and determine a degree of nerve modulation response resulting from the selective and wireless transfer of power from the power source to the implant unit claims.

Abstract: The system is comprised of an interface (1) consisting of one or more electrodes capturing electromyographic (biolectric muscle activity) signals, an earphone/microphone and a radiofrequency transmitter/receiver; a nexus module (2), with means for the encoding and interpretation of the electromyographic signals which taking into account both their duration as well as their amplitude and time lapse interval, wirelessly connected to the transmitter/receiver of the interface (1); and a controller (3), consisting of means for controlling and managing the devices comprising the ambient intelligence environment of a domotic, inmotic, military or other types, the input of which is connected to the output of the nexus module (2). Additionally, the communication facilitated by the earphone/microphone is completed with glasses incorporating a device capable of projecting visual messages on the inner side thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for processing signals for the real-time detection of a functional cyclic activity, include: elements for simultaneously receiving signals acquired by a sensor array having at least two sensors; elements for recording and preprocessing the acquired signals during a plurality of consecutive cycles; elements for identifying event combinations from the recordings of the acquired signals, enabling a calibration to be carried out, including: elements for identifying a plurality of events in the acquired signals, each signal including an identified event; elements for defining a model of the functional activity, consisting of a time order of the events and the mean delays between the events, and elements for defining a detection time window from the functional activity model.

Abstract: A biofeedback system and method enables biofeedback training to be accomplished during normal interaction by an individual with the individual's environment, for example while reading, playing video games, watching TV, participating in sports activities, or at work. Physiologic data is processed and used to generate one or more control signals based on the physiologic data. The control signals may be proportional to a result of the data processing, or based on comparison of the processing results with at least one fixed or adaptive threshold. The control signal is supplied to a wearable device through which the individual receives sensory information from the individual's environment, and serves to interrupt or modify the sensory information.

Abstract: A neural monitoring system for detecting an induced response of a muscle to a stimulus provided within an intracorporeal treatment area of a human subject includes a mechanical sensor configured to be placed in mechanical communication with the muscle and to generate a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a sensed mechanical movement of the muscle, and a receiver in communication with the mechanical sensor. The receiver is configured to: receive the mechanomyography output signal from the mechanical sensor; compute a time derivative of the sensed muscle movement from the mechanomyography output signal; compare the computed time derivative to a threshold; and indicate that the sensed mechanical movement of the muscle was induced by the provided intracorporeal stimulus if the computed time derivative exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A nerve monitoring device, including a cannula, a sensor for monitoring a nerve, and an optional support element, can be inserted into an anatomic space. The cannula, sensor and/or support element can automatically conform to and match the geometry of the anatomic space, which can enhance desired contact between the sensor and anatomic features, such as muscles, nerves or tissue in the space in an atraumatic manner. The sensor, cannula and/or support element can include one or more strips or other elements that convert from a retracted mode to an expanded mode in which the strips or elements expand, enlarge or otherwise move to match the geometry of the space and place the sensors in precise monitoring proximity relative to the target muscles, nerves or tissues. An exemplary application of the device is in the field of laryngeal monitoring, however, the device is well suited for other applications.