Methods for electrosurgical tendon vascularization
US6805130B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/95
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one aspect, the invention involves canalizing or boring channels, divots, trenches or holes through an avascular connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to increase blood flow within the tissue. In one method, an active electrode is positioned in close proximity to a target site on a tendon, and a high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active electrode and a return electrode to selectively ablate tendon tissue at the target site, thereby forming a channel or void in the tendon. The active electrode(s) may be moved relative to the tendon during, or after, the application of electrical energy to damage or sculpt a void within the tendon, such as a hole, channel, crater, or the like. In another aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical probe is used to elicit a wound healing response in a target tissue, such as an injured tendon, in order to stimulate vascularization of the target tissue. The present invention may also be used for vascularization of a torn or damaged tissue in conjunction with a surgical rep…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.