Oratec Interventions, Inc.

Oratec Internationals, Inc.

Lee Weissman

Hugh R Sharkey

Gary S Fanton

Daren Stewart

Daren L Stewart

An arthroscopic probe with a distally orientated concave curve which constrains tissue is disclosed. It is particularly adapted to cutting ligaments and tendons. Also disclosed is a thermal energy delivery apparatus that includes (a) a probe with a distal end and a proximal end, (b) a first electrode positioned at the distal end of the probe and (c) a cabling coupled to the proximal end of the probe.

Probe with distally orientated concave curve for arthroscopic surgery

Disclosed herein is a new arthroscopic probe with a concave distal tip which simultaneously constrains and cuts tissue. It is particularly adapted to cutting ligaments and tendons. Also disclosed is a thermal energy delivery apparatus which includes (a) a probe means with a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end has a concave tip; (b) a first electrode means positioned at the distal end of the probe means, wherein the first electrode means is configured to deliver sufficient thermal energy to cut ligaments or tendons; and (c) a cabling means coupled to the proximal end of the probe means. In another embodiment of the invention a controller for controlling the delivery of energy and liquid to a surgical instrument with a temperature sensor is disclosed. The energy is supplied by an energy source and the liquid is supplied by a pump. The controller includes a temperature and a flow regulator. The temperature regulator is coupled to the energy source and coupled to the pump. The temperature regulator is responsive to a first temperature indication from the temperature sensor to determine that the first temperature indication exceeds a setpoint and to reduce an energy level from the energy source. The flow regulator is coupled to the pump and coupled to the temperature regulator. The flow regulator includes responsiveness to the first temperature indication to increase a flow of the liquid from the pump.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Lee Weissman