Arthrocare Corporation

James L Pacek

Philip E Eggers

Hira V Thapliyal

Jean Woloszko

Michael A Baker

Robert H Dahla

James P Tasto

Andre P Bessette

Systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring temperature at a region near a surgical site during a procedure. A temperature-indicating element of an electrosurgical device comprises an indicator composition adapted to undergo a change in appearance in response to a pre-defined temperature range. The change in appearance of the temperature-indicating element indicates to the operator of the device a temperature condition at the working end of the device.

Temperature indicating electrosurgical apparatus and methods

Methods and apparatus for electrosurgically treating human skin. The skin may be treated by applying thermal energy to the dermis to shrink the skin following liposuction, or to induce collagen deposition at the site of a wrinkle for wrinkle reduction or removal. In another embodiment, a method involves electrosurgically removing or modifying tissue in the head or neck to provide a face-lift or a neck-lift. In one embodiment, the working end of an electrosurgical instrument is positioned in at least close proximity to the dermis by approaching the dermis from the underside (reverse side) of the skin.

Methods and apparatus for skin treatment

The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to incise, dissect, harvest or transect tissues or an organ of a patient. The electrosurgical systems and methods are useful, inter alia, for accessing, dissecting, and transecting a graft blood vessel, such as the internal mammary arteries (IMA) or the saphenous vein, for use in a by-pass procedure. A method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent the target tissue so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with a target site in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. A high frequency voltage is then applied between the active electrode and one or more return electrode(s). During application of the high frequency voltage, the electrosurgical probe may be translated, reciprocated, or otherwise manipulated such that the active electrode is moved with respect to the tissue. The present invention volumetrically removes the tissue at the point of incision, dissection, or transection in a cool ablation process that minimizes thermal damage to surrounding, non-target tissue.

Method for harvesting graft vessel

Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one variation, the invention involves creating a pattern of voids in connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to increase blood flow within the tissue. This also includes using a template device to assist in the creation of the pattern of voids. Also included is an electrosurgical device with a self-contained fluid supply for providing conductive fluid to the target tissue or to active electrodes of the device.

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Coto de Caza, CA, United States of America

James L Pacek