Ultrasound device for treatment of intervertebral disc tissue
First Claim
1. A minimally invasive applicator device for treatment of intervertebral disc tissue, comprising:
- an insertion device having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion into the intervertebral disc tissue, the insertion device being structurally robust for direct insertion into a targeted area of intervertebral disc tissue without damage or misalignment;
an ultrasound transducer crystal coupled to the distal end of the applicator; and
an external RF power generator electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer, the generator providing power to the ultrasound transducer.
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Abstract
An ultrasound device and method for the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue for remediation of back pain. An applicator comprises a catheter and/or needle with a distal tip including one or more ultrasound transducer crystals. The crystals produce high-powered ultrasound energy that is transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. The resulting temperature elevation of the disc tissue shrinks the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue, and/or destroying small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and can provide increased structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
162 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A minimally invasive applicator device for treatment of intervertebral disc tissue, comprising:
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an insertion device having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion into the intervertebral disc tissue, the insertion device being structurally robust for direct insertion into a targeted area of intervertebral disc tissue without damage or misalignment;
an ultrasound transducer crystal coupled to the distal end of the applicator; and
an external RF power generator electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer, the generator providing power to the ultrasound transducer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for treating intervertebral degenerated disc tissue, comprising the steps of:
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inserting, positioning and guiding an applicator device into intervertebral disc tissue via diagnostic imaging;
applying power to at least one ultrasound transducer, the at least one ultrasound transducer heating a designated area of the intervertebral disc tissue;
removing the applicator from the intervertebral disc tissue. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification