Coagulator and spinal disk surgery

• US 20040078034A1
• Filed: 10/16/2003
• Published: 04/22/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ProRhythm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: ProRhythm, Inc.
• Inventors: Pant, Bharat B., Acker, David E, Fjield, Todd, Harhen, Edward Paul
• Application Number:
  US10/333,087
• Publication Number:
  US 20040078034A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320068 using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic A61B17/22012 takes precedence; dental tooth drilling devices operated by vibration A61C3/03; removing intra-ocular material using mechanical vibrations A61F9/00745
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00261 Discectomy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320069 for ablating tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/02 Localised ultrasound hyperthermia hyperthermia in general A61F7/00

Abstract

An ultrasonic emitting apparatus (10) for cauterizing and ablating tissue. Ultrasonic waves are focused at an intended region of operation by an elongated waveguide (15), thus reducing damage to adjacent unintended tissue. The waveguide (15) can be inserted into structures of the body through overlying organs. The device may be used, for example, to ablate protruding portions of spinal disks.

Claims

1. A single-use, disposable unit comprising:

(a) an ultrasonic emitter having a concave emitting surface;

(b) a waveguide having an outwardly flaring bell at a rearward end and an elongated tube communicating with the bell and projecting in a forward direction, the bell having an opening at its rearward end, the emitting surface of the emitting element facing into the open end of the waveguide; and

(c) a substantially gas-free ultrasonic transmission medium disposed inside the waveguide and extending from the emitting surface of the ultrasonic emitting element to the forward end of the waveguide.

2. A unit as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a gas impermeable package enclosing the emitting element and waveguide.

3. A hand-held ultrasonic instrument comprising:

(a) a handle;

(b) an ultrasonic emitting element and;

(c) a waveguide having an open rearward end and a window at its forward end, the emitting element and the waveguide being mounted to the handle.

4. A method of alleviating disk disease comprising:

(a) inserting an elongated waveguide into a disk to be treated and advancing a tip of the waveguide through the disk until the tip of the waveguide is disposed within the disk, in or adjacent a portion of the disk protruding into a nerve exit channel of the spine; and

(b) delivering ultrasonic energy through the waveguide to the tip so as to ablate tissue within the protruding portion of the disk.