Devices and methods for radiofrequency ablation
AssigneeWarsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
InventorHai H. Trieu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various embodiments are described herein for an extendable electrode configured to receive and conduct radiofrequency discharges for heating a target tissue site, a device for deploying the extendable electrode, and an apparatus for deploying the extendable electrode. Methods for use of the device and apparatus in radiofrequency ablation are described. In various embodiments, the extendable electrode is a coil electrode. Embodiments are described wherein the electrode, device, apparatus, and methods provide radiofrequency ablation treatment of intervertebral discs.
Claims20
A device for providing radiofrequency current to a target tissue site, the device comprising:
- a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end comprising a tip;
- a first electrode configured to conduct and discharge radiofrequency current for heating the target tissue site, the first electrode disposed within the cannula and having a retracted position within the longitudinal axis of the cannula and a deployed position outside the tip of the cannula;
- an adjustment member disposed at or near the proximal end of the cannula, the adjustment member configured to engage the first electrode in the retracted position or the deployed position;
- a second electrode disposed within the cannula and configured to conduct radiofrequency from the target tissue site;
- and
- an insulation material disposed about the first electrode and configured to reduce or prevent conduction of radiofrequency current in the cannula.
An apparatus for providing radiofrequency current to heat a target tissue site, the apparatus comprising:
- a device housing;
- an access cannula engaged at a distal end of the device housing, the access cannula having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end comprising a needle tip;
- a radiofrequency electrode for heating a target tissue site, the radiofrequency electrode comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end configured to be placed into the access cannula and configured to become a coiled region when urged out of the access cannula, the proximal end configured to contact or be coupled to a radiofrequency source;
- a needle stopper disposed around a portion of the longitudinal axis of the access cannula and having a larger diameter than the diameter of the access cannula, the needle stopper configured to prevent select longitudinal movement of the cannula beyond a discrete position;
- and
- an electrical connection assembly configured to electrically couple the radiofrequency electrode to a radiofrequency power source.
A method of providing radiofrequency treatment to an intervertebral disc, the disc comprising a nucleus pulposus, an annulus fibrosus, the method comprising:
- inserting an access cannula up to the annulus fibrosus;
- inserting a needle comprising a needle tip through the access cannula to penetrate the disc annulus and enter the nucleus pulposus,
- determining the correct depth of needle penetration using fluoroscopy or by a needle stopper disposed on the needle tip to prevent insertion beyond a target tissue site;
- extending a radiofrequency electrode from the needle tip to form a coil of the radiofrequency electrode within the nucleus pulposus adjacent to a target ablation site;
- and
- activating the radiofrequency electrode to deliver radiofrequency energy to the ablation site.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.