Probe with distally orientated concave curve for arthroscopic surgery

• US 6,391,028 B1
• Filed: 05/16/2000
• Issued: 05/21/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Oratec Interventions Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Oratec Interventions Incorporated
• Inventors: Weissman, Lee, Sharkey, Hugh R., Stewart, Daren L., Fanton, Gary S.
• Primary Examiner(s): COHEN, LEE S
• Application Number:
  US09/572,709
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 606/41, 606/45, 606/46, 606/48-50, 606/38, 606/39
• US Class Current: 606/45
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1626 Control means; Display units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1659 Surgical rasps, files, planes, or scrapers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1675 for the knee
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1684 for the shoulder
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/148 having a short, rigid shaft for accessing the inner body transcutaneously, e.g. for neurosurgery or arthroscopy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320008 Scrapers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00434 Neural system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00625 Vaporization
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00654 with individual control of each of a plurality of energy emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1472 for use with liquid electrolyte, e.g. virtual electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/002 Irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/06 for high-frequency therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/40 Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling microwave apparatus A61N5/00; Applying radio-frequency signals

Abstract

An arthroscopic probe with a distally orientated concave curve which constrains tissue is disclosed. It is particularly adapted to cutting ligaments and tendons. Also disclosed is a thermal energy delivery apparatus that includes (a) a probe with a distal end and a proximal end, (b) a first electrode positioned at the distal end of the probe and (c) a cabling coupled to the proximal end of the probe.

Claims

1. A thermal energy delivery apparatus, comprising:

a probe including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a distally orientated concave curve that is located between a pair of lateral edges and configured to constrain tissue; and

a first electrode positioned at the distal end of the probe, the first electrode configured to deliver sufficient thermal energy to cut ligaments or tendons.

2. The thermal energy delivery apparatus of claim 1, further comprising cabling coupled to the proximal end of the probe.

3. The thermal energy delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concave curve has a sharp edge.

4. The thermal energy delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein the concave curve is separated from the lateral edges of the probe.

5. An RF probe, comprising:

a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a distally orientated concave curve located between a pair of lateral edges and an electrode, wherein the concave curve helps constrain tissue for cutting.

6. The RF probe of claim 5, further comprising cabling coupled to the proximal end of the probe.

7. The RF probe of claim 5, wherein the concave curve has a sharp edge.

8. The RF probe of claim 5, wherein the concave curve is separated from the lateral edges.