Methods and apparatus for treating back pain
US7331956B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/2493
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for treating back pain of a patient by denervation of an intervertebral disc or a region of the posterior longitudinal ligament by the controlled application of heat to a target tissue. In one embodiment, the invention may include a procedure combining both decompression of a disc, and denervation of the annulus fibrosus. In one embodiment, a method of the invention includes positioning an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument in at least close proximity to an intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein nervous tissue within the annulus fibrosus is inactivated, and discogenic pain of the patient is alleviated. In one embodiment, the invention includes positioning a first electrode of a dual-shaft electrosurgical instrument at a first location in relation to a target disc, positioning a second electrode of the instrument at a second location, and applying a high frequency voltage between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on separate shafts of the instrument.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.