Methods and apparatus for treating intervertebral discs
First Claim
1. A method for treating a target tissue within an intervertebral disc, comprising:
- a) forming a void in at least close proximity to the target tissue; and
b) delivering a preheated fluid to the void, wherein the fluid is preheated to a temperature in the range of from about 45°
C. to 90°
C., and at least a portion of the target tissue undergoes contraction due to heat exchange between the target tissue and the fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for treating a target tissue by delivering a fluid at a defined temperature to a patient'"'"'s body. An apparatus of the invention includes a fluid delivery unit for delivering fluid in at least close proximity to the target tissue, an aspiration unit for withdrawing the fluid, and a fluid source unit for providing the fluid at the defined temperature. A method of the invention includes forming a void in at least close proximity to the target tissue, and circulating a preheated fluid through the void, wherein the target tissue undergoes adjustment from body temperature to a treatment temperature due to heat exchange between the fluid and the target tissue.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for treating a target tissue within an intervertebral disc, comprising:
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a) forming a void in at least close proximity to the target tissue; and
b) delivering a preheated fluid to the void, wherein the fluid is preheated to a temperature in the range of from about 45°
C. to 90°
C., and at least a portion of the target tissue undergoes contraction due to heat exchange between the target tissue and the fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for treating an intervertebral disc, comprising:
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a) forming a void in at least close proximity to a target tissue within the intervertebral disc; and
b) delivering a preheated fluid to the void, wherein at least a portion of the target tissue is heated to a temperature in the range of from about 45°
C. to 90°
C., whereby collagen fibers within the target tissue undergo shrinkage. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An electrosurgical apparatus, comprising:
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a shaft having a shaft distal end;
an electrode assembly at the shaft distal end;
a fluid delivery unit including a fluid delivery tube; and
a fluid source unit coupled to the fluid delivery tube, the fluid source unit providing a fluid at a controlled temperature to the fluid delivery unit, wherein the fluid source unit includes a fluid reservoir and a temperature control unit coupled to the fluid reservoir.
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Specification