Bipolar Stimulation/Recording Device With Widely Spaced Electrodes

Abstract

A bipolar stimulator probe suitable for application of intramuscular stimulation provides an active stimulator electrode and a reference electrode as part of a single tool. The separation between the electrodes is significantly greater than the electrode separation of known bipolar stimulator probes and bipolar bar electrode configurations. The probe tool may be configured to permit adjustment of the fixed relative position of the electrodes within a given range. By providing a relatively wide spacing between the two electrodes, the tool can be used to approximate the effect of monopolar stimulation with a separate reference electrode, with the electrical stimulus producing less pain to the patient compared to bipolar stimulation where the two electrodes are spaced apart by only 2-4 cm or less.

1 . A bipolar stimulator probe comprising an active stimulator electrode, a reference electrode and a user handle provided as part of a single tool, wherein the positions of the electrodes are substantially fixed with respect to each other such that the inter-electrode spacing is at least 15 cm center to center. 
     
     
         2 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , wherein the probe tool is configured to permit adjustment of the fixed relative position of the electrodes within a given range. 
     
     
         3 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrodes are mounted on the ends of spaced arms which are attached to each other by a connection member extending cross-wise between the arms. 
     
     
         4 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 3 , wherein the handle is placed at one end of the connection member. 
     
     
         5 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 4 , wherein the handle is tilted up at an obtuse angle relative to the connection member. 
     
     
         6 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , further comprising a trigger switch to permit a user to conveniently activate the probe for stimulation applications. 
     
     
         7 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 6 , wherein the trigger switch is a touch-sensitive switch activated by pressure exerted on a patient contact surface of the stimulating electrode. 
     
     
         8 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 6 , wherein the trigger switch is activated by a push-button provided on the handle. 
     
     
         9 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , wherein both electrodes have surfaces for contact with the patient that are circular in shape and have a diameter of 1-2 cm. 
     
     
         10 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , wherein both electrodes comprise metallic patient contact surfaces. 
     
     
         11 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , wherein both electrodes comprise felt pads providing patient contact surfaces. 
     
     
         12 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , further comprising a spaced electrode mounting structure provided in the form of an arched arm with the active and reference electrodes mounted on the ends thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , further comprising a spaced electrode mounting structure in the form of a generally flat bar to which the active and reference electrodes are mounted. 
     
     
         14 . The bipolar stimulator probe according to  claim 1 , further comprising a spaced electrode mounting structure in the form of a pair of arms which converge to form an obtuse angle.