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Method for applying pulsed radio frequency energy to the spinal canal

  • US 9,950,185 B2
  • Filed: 09/25/2015
  • Issued: 04/24/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for applying pulsed radio frequency energy to a region in the spinal canal, comprising the steps of:

  • inserting a flexible epidural catheter into a spinal space, said flexible epidural catheter having at least one first electrical contact in a distal region of the catheter, said flexible epidural catheter also including a hose line that defines an aperture in the distal region of said hose line for injecting pain killing drugs through the aperture in the distal region of said hose line from a syringe or drug pump;

    operating a pulsed radio frequency generator, the pulsed radio frequency generator being coupled to said first electrical contact;

    thereby applying pulsed radio frequency energy via said first electrical contact to a localized region to be treated;

    detecting a temperature in the spinal space by a temperature sensor at the distal region of the catheter;

    automatically changing at least one parameter of the pulsed radio frequency energy supplied to the localized region when a specific temperature is detected,automatically switching off or temporarily suppressing of the pulsed radio frequency energy to the localized region when an upper temperature limit of 42°

    C. is reached to thereby avoid thermal damage to tissue, and whereby in said localized region at least one of a nerve, nerve root, a nerve ganglion and a part of the spinal cord is treated.

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