Devices and methods for radiofrequency ablation having at least two electrodes
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, the first electrode configured to become a coiled region when in the deployed position outside the tip of the cannula;
- a second electrode disposed within the cannula or around an outer surface of at least a portion 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 to move the first electrode from the retracted position to the deployed position;
- and
- an insulation material disposed in or around at least a portion of the cannula.
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, the first electrode configured to become a coiled region when in the deployed position outside the tip of the cannula;
- a second electrode disposed within the cannula or around an outer surface of at least a portion 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 to move the first electrode from the retracted position to the deployed position;
- an insulation material;
- and
- an electrical connection assembly configured to electrically couple the first and/or second 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 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, the first electrode configured to become a coiled region when in the deployed position outside the tip of the cannula;
- a second electrode disposed within the cannula or around an outer surface of at least a portion 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 to move the first electrode from the retracted position to the deployed position;
- and an insulation material;
- extending the second electrode to at or near the target tissue site for treatment;
- and
- activating the first and/or second electrode to apply radiofrequency energy for a sufficient time to provide radiofrequency treatment to the intervertebral disc.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.