Systems and methods for treating spinal pain
First Claim
1. A method of treating a fissure in an intervertebral disc comprising:
- positioning an active electrode adjacent an outer surface of an annulus surrounding an intervertebral disc;
delivering a sealant to a fissure within the annulus; and
applying a high frequency voltage difference between the active electrode and a return electrode, the voltage difference being sufficient to substantially seal the fissure within the annulus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a fissure or tear location within an invertebral disc. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more active electrodes in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to heat and seal a fissure on an annulus fibrosus. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating the fissure by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to seal the fissure. In one embodiment, the RF energy is directed through the conductive fluid to heat the tissue immediately surrounding the fissure. The RF energy is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the fluid in contact with the active electrode. In another embodiment, the electrical current is directed through the tissue to directly heat the annulus tissue. This causes the annulus tissue to contract and seal the fissure. In a specific configuration, a sealant is added to the fissure to enhance the seal.
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Citations
51 Claims
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1. A method of treating a fissure in an intervertebral disc comprising:
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positioning an active electrode adjacent an outer surface of an annulus surrounding an intervertebral disc;
delivering a sealant to a fissure within the annulus; and
applying a high frequency voltage difference between the active electrode and a return electrode, the voltage difference being sufficient to substantially seal the fissure within the annulus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of treating an intervertebral disc comprising:
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delivering a sealant to a fissure within an annulus fibrosus surrounding the intervertebral disc;
positioning an active electrode adjacent an outer surface of the annulus fibrosus;
directing a conducting fluid between the active electrode and the annulus; and
applying sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the active electrode to heat and seal a fissure in the annulus. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. An electrosurgical system for treating a fissure within an annulus fibrosus comprising:
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a shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion being configured for introduction to an outer surface of an annulus in close proximity to, or in contact with, a fissure in the annulus;
an active electrode disposed on the distal end portion of the shaft;
a return electrode;
a high frequency voltage source adapted to generate a voltage sufficient to seal the fissure, the high frequency voltage source in electrical communication with the active and return electrodes; and
a sealant delivery element for delivering a sealant to the fissure. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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Specification