Selective delivery of cryogenic energy to intervertebral disc tissue and related methods of intradiscal hypothermia therapy

• US 7,144,394 B2
• Filed: 09/02/2003
• Issued: 12/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Allen Carl
• Original Assignee: Allen Carl
• Inventors: Carl, Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): PEFFLEY, MICHAEL F
• Application Number:
  US10/653,692
• Publication Number:
  US 20050149007A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,190 Days
• Field of Search: 606 20- 26, 128/898
• US Class Current: 606/21
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/02 by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques devices for cooling specific reflex points of the body within cell-life limits A61H39/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00092 using thermocouples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00261 Discectomy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0022 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0212 using an instrument inserted into a body lumen, e.g. catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0262 using a circulating cryogenic fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0293 using an instrument interstitially inserted into the body, e.g. needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/378 using ultrasound

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localized hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic temperatures and times are varied according to the desired treatment effect. Intended effects of hypothermia of the intervertebral disc include cellular disruption leading to cell death and or structural and chemical denaturation within the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, or nerve fibers, temporary or permanent deadening of the nerves within or surrounding the disc, induction of a healing response, angiogenesis, or accelerated degeneration and/or drying of the nucleus pulposus and/or anulus fibrosus. Various effects can be achieved by reaching different temperatures for differing periods of time or by the proximity of the hypothermia therapy device to the treatment target. Accordingly, it is an object of one or more the embodiments of the invention to provide hypothermic therapy to selected locations within an intervertebral disc utilizing a flexible and guidable cryogenic device.

Claims

1. A method of delivering cryogenic energy for the treatment of selected tissue within a vertebral body comprising:

providing a cryoprobe having a distal tip and a thermally transmissive region located proximate to said distal tip;

inserting the cryoprobe into the patient so that the thermally transmissive region is located proximate to an endplate of the vertebral body;

activating said thermally transmissive region; and

delivering cryogenic energy to the endplate of the vertebral body for one or more time periods in the range of 1 minute to 60 minutes so as to treat the patient.