Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue contraction within the spine
First Claim
1. A method for treating a herniated disc comprising:
- positioning a distal end section of a rigid probe within an intervertebral disc, said distal end section having at least one energy applying element; and
decompressing the disk by applying energy to the disc sufficient to remove target tissue associated with the disc; and
aspirating at least the removed target tissue through a suction lumen having an opening at the distal end section of the rigid probe, the suction lumen opening coupled to an aspiration electrode configured to inhibit clogging of the suction lumen.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
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.
465 Citations
9 Claims
-
1. A method for treating a herniated disc comprising:
-
positioning a distal end section of a rigid probe within an intervertebral disc, said distal end section having at least one energy applying element; and decompressing the disk by applying energy to the disc sufficient to remove target tissue associated with the disc; and aspirating at least the removed target tissue through a suction lumen having an opening at the distal end section of the rigid probe, the suction lumen opening coupled to an aspiration electrode configured to inhibit clogging of the suction lumen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
Specification