Tools for creating a vertebral tunnel for use in RF ablation and methods of making and using

A method for forming a tunnel in a vertebra using a tool arrangement for forming a tunnel in a vertebra to perform nerve ablation, the tool arrangement comprising:

• a tamp comprising a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a shaft extending from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, wherein the distal end portion comprises a tip configured for creating the tunnel in the vertebra and a curvable portion coupled to the tip and configured to direct the tip along a curved path within the vertebra;
• a first cannula comprising a cannula body defining a lumen through which the tamp is extendable, wherein the cannula body is straight along an entire length of the cannula body and the first cannula is configured to receive the curvable portion of the tamp and straighten the curvable portion when the curvable portion is received in the first cannula;
• a tool hub comprising a stationary cannula attachment coupled to the first cannula, a movable head coupled to the tamp and configured to move toward or away from the stationary cannula attachment to extend or retract, respectively, the curvable portion of the tamp from or into, respectively, the first cannula, and a rotatable collar disposed between the stationary cannula attachment and the movable head, wherein the stationary cannula attachment comprises an attachment shaft and the rotatable collar slides along the attachment shaft as the movable head moves toward the stationary cannula attachment to extend the curvable portion of the tamp out of the first cannula;
• and an access tool comprising an access tool handle and an access tool cannula, wherein the access tool cannula is straight along an entire length of the access tool cannula and the access tool is configured to receive the first cannula within the access tool cannula, wherein, when the first cannula is fully inserted into the access tool cannula, a distal end of the first cannula terminates at or near, or extends out of, a distal end of the access tool cannula, the method comprising:
• inserting the access tool cannula of the access tool into the vertebra of a patient, wherein the access tool cannula is straight;
• inserting the first cannula into the access tool cannula of the access tool, wherein the first cannula is straight;
• inserting the tamp into the first cannula;
• and
• operating the tool hub to extend the distal end portion of the tamp out of a distal end of the first cannula to form the tunnel, wherein the curvable portion of the tamp is biased to curve when outside of the first cannula, wherein the curvable portion is straightened within the first cannula prior to extending out of the distal end of the first cannula.