Mapping probe system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation apparatus

Abstract

A monopolar neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) apparatus is configured for use with a cannula and a remote electrode. The apparatus includes a longitudinally rigid rod that is movable in the cannula throughout a range of operative positions in which inner and outer end portions of the rod extend longitudinally outward from the inner and outer ends of the cannula. The apparatus further includes a single electrode configured to be supported as a solitary electrode on the inner end portion of the rod for movement with the rod through the cannula. In this manner, the electrode can be moved into and out of contact with internal test sites to apply NMES at the internal test sites in an electrical circuit with the remote electrode upon movement of the rod back and forth in the cannula. Additionally, the rod is a rigid tube and the electrode is a suction-tip electrode configured to communicate pneumatically with the rigid tube.

1 . A monopolar neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) apparatus for use with a cannula and a remote electrode, said apparatus comprising:
 a longitudinally rigid rod configured to be received and moved in the cannula throughout a range of operative positions in which inner and outer end portions of said rigid rod extend longitudinally outward from the inner and outer ends of the cannula; and   a single electrode configured to be supported as a solitary electrode on said inner end portion of said rigid rod for movement with said rigid rod through the cannula, and thereby to be moved into and out of contact with internal test sites to apply NMES at the internal test sites in an electrical circuit with the remote electrode upon movement of said rigid rod back and forth in the cannula;   wherein said rigid rod comprises a rigid tube and said electrode is a suction-tip electrode configured to communicate pneumatically with said rigid tube.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said suction-tip electrode is part of an electrode assembly including a flexible tube configured to communicate said suction-tip electrode pneumatically with said rigid tube. 
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said rigid rod is sized with reference to the cannula to form a pneumatic seal between said rigid rod and the cannula when said rigid rod is located in the cannula in any one of said operative positions. 
   
   
       4 .- 6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . A monopolar neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) apparatus for use with a cannula and a remote electrode, said apparatus comprising:
 a longitudinally rigid rod configured to be received and moved in the cannula throughout a range of operative positions in which inner and outer end portions of said rigid rod extend longitudinally outward from the inner and outer ends of the cannula;   a single electrode configured to be supported as a solitary electrode on said inner end portion of said rigid rod for movement with said rigid rod through the cannula, and thereby to be moved into and out of contact with internal test sites to apply NMES at the internal test sites in an electrical circuit with the remote electrode upon movement of said rigid rod back and forth in the cannula; and   a stand-off extension configured to support said electrode on said inner end portion of said rigid rod for movement relative to said rigid rod.   
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 7  wherein said stand-off extension includes a hinge. 
   
   
       9 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 7  wherein said inner end portion of said rigid rod is tubular and has an open inner end, and said electrode is configured to close said open inner end of said rigid rod when supported on said inner end portion of said rigid rod. 
   
   
       10 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 7  wherein said rigid rod is sized with reference to the cannula to form a pneumatic seal between said rigid rod and the cannula when said rigid rod is located in the cannula in any one of said operative positions.