Implantable devices for thermal therapy and related methods
US10179065B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2007/0075
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting a malleable or deformable thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner. The thermal device can be connectionless or can include penetrable regions, pre-attached tubing, or detachable connectors to facilitate application of cooling or heating means to the device. Methods are disclosed for utilizing thermal devices and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling or heating tissue using such devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.