Patent ID: 6454728
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of monitoring thumb twitch using an apparatus having a support structure configured for supporting at least a hand of a patient, the apparatus including a pressurized biasing member operatively associated with the support structure and located to contact the patient's thumb when the patient's hand is placed in the support structure, and a sensor associated with the biasing member, the method including the steps of:placing the patient's hand in the support structure such that the thumb of the patient contacts the biasing member with the biasing member being disposed between the thumb and the support structure, stimulating the ulnar nerve to cause the thumb to adduct and press the biasing member against the support structure with the sensor generating an electrical signal in response to the pressure exerted by the biasing member, and monitoring the electrical signal, wherein the biasing member is a balloon and the method includes injecting air into the balloon to a pressure of 15-20 mm Hg prior to the stimulating step.