DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ELECTROSURGERY
First Claim
1. A method for treating pain by delivering energy to a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:
- (i) providing an electrically conductive radiopaque cannula comprising an electrically insulated region, an electrically exposed region and a radiopaque marker for distinguishing the insulated region from the exposed region;
(ii) identifying the radiopaque marker, distinguishing the insulated region from the exposed region and positioning the exposed region to locate said exposed region proximate a neural structure; and
(iii) delivering energy through the cannula to said neural structure to treat pain.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving accuracy of placement of a cannula during delivery of electrical energy to neural structures. The apparatus includes a cannula operable to deliver electrical current where a portion of the cannula is electrically insulated and a portion of the cannula is exposed and electrically conductive. The cannula further includes a radiopaque marker located to differentiate the electrically insulated region from the electrically exposed region by allowing it to be more clearly delineated using fluoroscopy or other radiographic imaging techniques. The cannula may be used to treat pain by delivering energy to a neural structure.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for treating pain by delivering energy to a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:
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(i) providing an electrically conductive radiopaque cannula comprising an electrically insulated region, an electrically exposed region and a radiopaque marker for distinguishing the insulated region from the exposed region; (ii) identifying the radiopaque marker, distinguishing the insulated region from the exposed region and positioning the exposed region to locate said exposed region proximate a neural structure; and (iii) delivering energy through the cannula to said neural structure to treat pain. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A radiopaque cannula for insertion into a patient'"'"'s body, the cannula comprising:
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a radiopaque and electrically conductive elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen therebetween, the elongate member including an electrically exposed region and an electrically insulated region; and a radiopaque marker associated with the elongate member, the radiopaque marker being visible under radiographic imaging and being located for distinguishing the exposed region from the insulated region. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A cannula for insertion into a patient'"'"'s body, said cannula comprising:
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an electrically conductive radiopaque elongate member comprising an electrically insulated region and an electrically exposed region; and a means for improving radiographic visualization of at least a portion of said elongate member; said means for improving radiographic visualization being located for distinguishing the exposed region from the insulated region.
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Specification