Method for treating tissue in arthroscopic environment using precooling and apparatus for same
US6544260B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/126
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A thermal energy delivery apparatus has a probe including a distal end and a proximal end. A first electrode is positioned at the distal end of the probe. The first electrode is configured to deliver sufficient thermal energy to a fibrillated cartilage surface to reduce a level of fibrillation of the fibrillated cartilage surface. A cabling is coupled to the proximal end of the probe. A method for thermal protection of non-targeted tissues that may be exposed to thermal probes used during arthroscopic procedures includes a pre-procedural cooling Lavage. The pre-cooled tissues provide a convective buffer for tissues not intended for thermal intervention, thereby reducing collateral damage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.