Flexible signal generator for facial nerve detection

During surgical intervention on patient face, the facial nerve must be protected. To avoid the risk of its damage, we propose an electronic device that could detect the presence of this nerve. Thanks to its excitability, it was possible therefore to record a noticeable muscular electric reaction on the face. An active stimulating electrode would be placed on the patient face whereas another one referred as ground would be placed on the periphery level of patient face. Such stimulation would excite nervous zone of this nerve and detection would be indicated by a specific muscular reaction. The conceived system would be commanded with variable stimulating currents and piloted by a dedicated microcontroller. This would allow us to have different possibilities in conceiving various shapes for stimulating waves. The purpose is to offer flexibility during clinical adjustments especially when programming the various parameters of electrical stimuli.