A monitoring system facilitating neuro-monitoring and tissue identification and method for use thereof is provided. The system and method can apply electrical stimulation via a probe to the fibrous tissue and/or the tissue of interest, and can determine a location and/or integrity of nerves or nerve roots therein using stimulated response signals in the fibrous tissue and/or the tissue of interest in response to the electrical stimulation. The system and method also can stimulate the tissue of interest by applying radiation to the tissue of interest from the distal end of the probe, and can identify the tissue of interest using captured radiation from the tissue of interest stimulated by the applied radiation.

A nerve stimulation system including a stimulation probe including a handle and a stimulation head at an end of the handle; a reference electrode; and a control system in communication with the stimulation probe and the reference electrode, the control system configured to generate an electrical stimulation signal that, when delivered to a skin surface of a patient using the stimulation probe, induces an activation potential in a plurality of nociceptors while remaining below a threshold that induces a muscle contractile response.

A system for neurorehabilitation is disclosed that includes a motion detector configured to generate a motion detection feedback signal, a transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation module, and a controller configured to receive the motion detection feedback signal and send a stimulation signal to the transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation module based on the motion detection feedback signal meeting a minimum threshold criteria. A method for neurorehabilitation is disclosed that includes the steps of detecting patient motor activity, determining if the detected patient motor activity meets a minimum threshold criteria, and stimulating a vagus nerve through transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation if the minimum threshold criteria is met.

A portable and wearable hand-grasp neuro-orthosis is configured for use in a home environment to restore volitionally controlled grasp functions for a subject with a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The neuro-orthosis may include: a wearable sleeve with electrodes; electronics for operating the wearable sleeve to perform functional electrical stimulation (FES) and electromyography (EMG), the electronics configured for mounting on a wheelchair; and a controller configured for mounting on a wheelchair. The controller controls the electronics to read EMG via the sleeve, decode the read EMG to determine an intent of the user, and operate the electronics to apply FES via the sleeve to implement the intent of the user. The neuro-orthosis may restore hand function. The controller may include a display arranged to be viewed by the subject, for example mounted on an articulated arm attached to the wheelchair.

A method for quantitatively assessing muscle contraction and corresponding kits are described. The method can include assessing muscle contraction of a facial muscle by applying an external electrical stimulus to facial skin sufficient to contract a facial muscle, and measuring the contractile activity of the contracted facial muscle. The method can be used to determine the ability of a treatment material to reduce contraction of the facial muscle.

A portable and wearable hand-grasp neuro-orthosis is configured for use in a home environment to restore volitionally controlled grasp functions for a subject with a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The neuro-orthosis may include: a wearable sleeve with electrodes; electronics for operating the wearable sleeve to perform functional electrical stimulation (FES) and electromyography (EMG), the electronics configured for mounting on a wheelchair; and a controller configured for mounting on a wheelchair. The controller controls the electronics to read EMG via the sleeve, decode the read EMG to determine an intent of the user, and operate the electronics to apply FES via the sleeve to implement the intent of the user. The neuro-orthosis may restore hand function. The controller may include a display arranged to be viewed by the subject, for example mounted on an articulated arm attached to the wheelchair.

A method and system for monitoring neuromuscular blockade in patients during surgical procedures. A stimulator provides stimulation to a nerve of the patient, such as train-of-four (TOF). Following such stimulation, the system and method creates a predicted recovery trend for the patient that is based upon measured recovery trend and a recovery model. The recovery model estimates a recovery trend for the patient based on initial model parameter values. The recovery model creates a predicted recovery trend that is used to estimate a recovery time for the patient. The trend values from the patient are monitored and compared to the predicted trend values throughout the operation as long as the NMT measurement is on. During recovery, the recovery model and recovery time estimates are updated based on the recovery trend being formed from measurements of the patient.

Provided are devices and methods for preventing an episode of incontinence in an individual in need thereof. The devices comprise a sensor and a stimulator electrode that can be implanted into the body of the individual. Once the device is implanted in the individual, the sensor of the device senses a parameter that is associated with a response from the individual that is intended to prevent an episode of incontinence. Then, the device provides an electrical stimulation using the electrode that, together with the response, helps to prevent the episode of incontinence.

Provided are devices and methods for preventing an episode of incontinence in an individual in need thereof. The devices comprise a sensor and a stimulator electrode that can be implanted into the body of the individual. Once the device is implanted in the individual, the sensor of the device senses a parameter that is associated with a response from the individual that is intended to prevent an episode of incontinence. Then, the device provides an electrical stimulation using the electrode that, together with the response, helps to prevent the episode of incontinence.

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) system and method for placing SCS electrodes in a patient for spinal cord stimulation therapy. The SCS system comprises a stimulator and an amplifier unit. The amplifier unit comprises an algorithm module to store and process algorithms for processing data received from recording electrodes placed in a patient's body. The recording electrodes send real-time electromyography (EMG) data related to the patient to the algorithm module. The algorithm module processes the real-time EMG data, including filtering the EMG data to remove artifacts generated by the SCS electrodes. The SCS system compares the filtered EMG data in real-time with the pre-clinical EMG data and displays the comparison data on the display device. The displayed data is used, by the surgeon, for lateralization of the SCS electrode.