Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue

• US 6,482,204 B1
• Filed: 04/24/1996
• Issued: 11/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Oratec Interventions Incorporated (Smith & Nephew PLC)
• Original Assignee: Oratec Interventions Incorporated (Smith & Nephew PLC)
• Inventors: Edwards, Stuart D., Lax, Ronald G., Fanton, Gary S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shay, David M.
• Application Number:
  US08/637,095
• Time in Patent Office: 2,400 Days
• Field of Search: 606/2, 606/3-18, 606/38-52, 604/20-22, 604/114
• US Class Current: 606/42
• 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 2018/00023 closed, i.e. without wound contact by the fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00083 low, i.e. electrically insulating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00452 Skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/143 multiple needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1472 for use with liquid electrolyte, e.g. virtual electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1497 Electrodes covering only part of the probe circumference
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1861 with an instrument inserted into a body lumen or cavity, e.g. a catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/40 Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling microwave apparatus A61N5/00; Applying radio-frequency signals

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.

Claims

1. An orthopedic apparatus for contracting collagen containing tissues comprising:

an electrode having a conductive surface formed with a plurality of apertures and a central lumen for circulating an electrolytic solution;

an insulated housing configured for slidable movement along the surface of the collagen containing tissue that surrounds the electrode providing a dam to at least partially contain the electrolytic solution passing through the plurality of apertures formed in the conductive surface of the electrode at a selected site along the collagen containing tissue;

a holding container for storing the electrolytic solution to be circulated through the electrode;

a fluid conduit and pump assembly to deliver the electrolytic solution from the holding container through the plurality of apertures formed in the electrode to effect heat transfer between the electrolytic solution and the collagen containing tissue thereby inducing contraction of the collagen fibers contained in the tissue; and

a cuff surrounding the insulated housing in a spaced apart relation to form a return fluid passageway to direct the electrolytic solution away from the collagen containing tissue.

2. The orthopedic apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a waste container in communication with the return fluid passageway for storing the electrolytic solution after the electrolytic solution effects heat transfer with the orthopedic structure.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a temperature controller connected to the fluid conduit for altering the temperature of the electrolytic solution.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the temperature controller cools the electrolytic solution to a temperature ranging from approximately 30 to 55 degrees C.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the electrode is fixed within the insulated housing such that the conductive surface of the electrode is positionable in a proximal but spaced apart relationship with the collagen containing tissue.

6. A thermal transfer system for orthopedic structures containing collagen fibers comprising:

an electrode formed with a central lumen and a conductive surface having a plurality of apertures for directed delivery of an electrolytic solution to an orthopedic structure containing collagen fibers;

an electrical insulation layer positioned alongside an outer portion of the electrode to reduce delivery of thermal transfer with body areas other than the orthopedic structure containing collagen fibers;

an insulated housing configured for slidable movement along the surface of the orthopedic structure that surrounds the electrode to provide a dam to at least partially contain the electrolytic solution passing through the plurality of apertures formed in the conductive surface of the electrode at a selected site along the orthopedic structure;

a holding container for storing the electrolytic solution to be delivered to the orthopedic structure containing collagen fibers;

a fluid conduit and pump assembly to direct the electrolytic solution from the holding container through the central lumen and the plurality of apertures formed in the electrode thereby effecting heat transfer between the electrolytic solution and the orthopedic structure to induce contraction of the collagen fibers contained in the orthopedic structure; and

a cuff surrounding the insulated housing in a spaced apart relation to form a return fluid passageway to direct the electrolytic solution away from the collagen containing tissue.

7. The thermal transfer system as recited in claim 6 further comprising:

a temperature controller connected to the fluid conduit for altering the temperature of the electrolytic solution.

8. The thermal transfer system as recited in claim 7 further comprising

a temperature sensor positioned along an outer surface of the electrode for placement in a region in proximity to the orthopedic structure, and wherein the temperature sensor is connected to the temperature controller to provide a temperature reading of the region surrounding the orthopedic structure.

9. The thermal transfer system as recited in claim 6, wherein the orthopedic structure is a shoulder capsule, and wherein the insulated housing is configured for slidable movement along the shoulder capsule to effect contraction of collagen fibers to provide capsular shrinkage.

10. The thermal transfer system as recited in claim 6 wherein the electrolytic solution is saline solution.