Electrosurgical apparatus having a curved distal section
US7070596B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2218/007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for advancing and retracting a medical instrument within an introducer device, wherein the instrument includes a distal tip, a distal linear portion, a first distal curve, a substantially linear inter-curve portion, and a second proximal curve. The length of the distal linear portion and the angle of the first curve determine the position of the distal tip within a lumen of the introducer device, such that the distal tip occupies a substantially central transverse location within the lumen and the distal tip avoids contact with the introducer device. The length of the inter-curve portion and the angle of the second curve determine deflection of the distal tip from a longitudinal axis of the shaft when the second curve is extended distally beyond a distal end of the introducer device. Also, methods and apparatus for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pre…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.