Systems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacement
US7794456B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0158
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.