Method and apparatus for treatment of disrupted articular cartilage
US6695839B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2218/007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for treating disrupted articular cartilage comprising an elongate probe member having proximal and distal extremities and a handle coupled to the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member. The distal extremity has a peripheral wall defining a cavity and a distal opening communicating with the cavity. A controllable environment is created within the cavity when the distal extremity is placed substantially flush against the disrupted articular cartilage. An electrode is positioned within the cavity at a distance spaced inwardly of the distal opening. The disrupted articular cartilage is sealed to form a substantially continuous surface when energy is supplied to the electrode. A method of using the apparatus is provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.