Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue
First Claim
1. A method for repairing ligaments, joint capsules and connective tissue through the controlled contraction of collagen fibers, the method comprising:
- providing an apparatus including a handle and an electrode having an electrode proximal end attached to the handle and an electrode distal end, the distal end including an energy delivering distal electrode portion having a surface with radiused edges for delivering substantially uniform energy across the surface of the energy delivering distal electrode portion;
positioning the energy delivering distal electrode portion adjacent to an area of collagen fibers to be contracted;
delivering substantially uniform energy across the surface of the energy delivering distal electrode portion to the area of collagen fibers; and
contracting the collagen fibers through the application of energy to the collagen fibers.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for control contraction of tissue that includes collagen fibers. The apparatus includes a handpiece, and an electrode with an electrode proximal end associated with the handpiece. A distal end of the electrode has a geometry that delivers a controlled amount of energy to the tissue for a desired contraction of the collagen fibers. This is achieved while dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers is minimized. The handpiece, with electrode, is adapted to be introduced through an operating cannula in percutaneous applications. Additionally, an operating cannula may be included in the apparatus and be attached to the handpiece. The apparatus and method provides for a desired level of contraction of collagen soft tissue without dissociation or breakdown of collagen fibers.
759 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for repairing ligaments, joint capsules and connective tissue through the controlled contraction of collagen fibers, the method comprising:
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providing an apparatus including a handle and an electrode having an electrode proximal end attached to the handle and an electrode distal end, the distal end including an energy delivering distal electrode portion having a surface with radiused edges for delivering substantially uniform energy across the surface of the energy delivering distal electrode portion; positioning the energy delivering distal electrode portion adjacent to an area of collagen fibers to be contracted; delivering substantially uniform energy across the surface of the energy delivering distal electrode portion to the area of collagen fibers; and contracting the collagen fibers through the application of energy to the collagen fibers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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9. The method of claim 9 further including the step of
delivering an electrolytic solution to the area of collagen fibers, the electrolytic solution serving to provide a substantially uniform distribution of energy from the electrode to the collagen fibers, the electrolytic solution also serving to control the temperature of the collagen fibers.
Specification