Devices and methods for radiofrequency ablation having an inflatable anchor member
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;
- and
- an inflatable anchor member disposed around at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the cannula and when inflated having a larger diameter than the diameter of the cannula and being configured to anchor the cannula tip at or near the target tissue site.
An apparatus for providing radiofrequency current to heat a target tissue site, the apparatus comprising:
- a device housing;
- a cannula engaged at a distal end of the device housing, the 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 cannula and configured to become a coiled region when urged out of the cannula, the proximal end configured to contact or be coupled to a radiofrequency source;
- an inflatable anchor member disposed around at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the cannula and when inflated having a larger diameter than the diameter of the cannula and being configured to anchor the cannula tip at or near the target tissue site;
- an inflator;
- an inflation lumen defined in fluid communication with the inflator and the inflatable anchor member;
- 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 of a patient, the disc comprising an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus, the method comprising:
- inserting a cannula up to a desired location and/or depth of the annulus fibrosus, the 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 cannula and configured to become a coiled region when urged out of the cannula, the proximal end configured to contact or be coupled to a radiofrequency source;
- an inflatable anchor member disposed at least around a portion of the longitudinal axis of the cannula and when inflated having a larger diameter than the diameter of the cannula and being configured to anchor the cannula tip at a desired location and/or depth;
- an inflator, and an inflation lumen defined in fluid communication with the inflator and the inflatable anchor member;
- inflating the inflatable anchor member to anchor the cannula tip at the desired location and/or depth;
- extending the radiofrequency electrode to a desired region of tissue for treatment;
- and
- activating the radiofrequency electrode to apply radiofrequency energy for a sufficient time to provide radiofrequency treatment to the intervertebral disc.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.