Methods for electrosurgical tissue contraction within the spine
First Claim
1. A method for treating an intervertebral disc of a patient, comprising:
- a) advancing an active electrode through an annulus fibrosus of the disc to form an opening in the annulus fibrosus;
b) positioning the active electrode within a nucleus pulposus of the disc;
c) applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein the voltage is sufficient to contract at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus; and
d) while continuing said step c), withdrawing the active electrode from the disc via the opening in the annulus fibrosus, wherein the voltage is sufficient to at least partially close the opening in the annulus fibrosus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient'"'"'s body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for treating herniated or swollen discs within a patient'"'"'s spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to contract or shrink the collagen fibers within the nucleus pulposis. This causes the pulposis to shrink and withdraw from its impingement on the spinal nerve.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for treating an intervertebral disc of a patient, comprising:
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a) advancing an active electrode through an annulus fibrosus of the disc to form an opening in the annulus fibrosus;
b) positioning the active electrode within a nucleus pulposus of the disc;
c) applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein the voltage is sufficient to contract at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus; and
d) while continuing said step c), withdrawing the active electrode from the disc via the opening in the annulus fibrosus, wherein the voltage is sufficient to at least partially close the opening in the annulus fibrosus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for treating tissue within a patient'"'"'s spine comprising:
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positioning an energy applying element in contact with, or in close proximity to, an opening surgically created in an annulus; and
applying energy sufficient to at least partially close said opening. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification