Method for treating intervertebral discs
US7400930B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/09
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of manipulating a disc tissue of an intervertebral disc is described, the disc has a nucleus pulposus, an annulus fibrosus, and an inner wall of the annulus fibrosus. The method includes providing a catheter having a radiofrequency electrode at a distal region of the catheter and a proximal region for externally guiding the distal region of the catheter within an intervertebral disc. The method also includes positioning the electrode at the inner wall of the annulus fibrosus by applying a sufficient force to advance the catheter through the nucleus pulposus to the inner wall of the annulus fibrosus. The force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. The method further includes delivering energy to the disc tissue using the electrode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.