The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 22, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 14, 1997
Philip E Eggers, Dublin, OH (US);
Hira V Thapliyal, Los Altos, CA (US);
ArthoCare Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for treating tissue within a patient's spine, such as laminectomy/discectomy procedures for treating herniated disks, posterior lumbosacral and cervical spine fusions and the like. An electrosurgical probe includes one or more electrode terminal(s) and a return electrode coupled to a high frequency voltage supply. Electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, is delivered to the electrode terminal, and a high frequency voltage difference is applied between the electrode terminal and the return electrode to treat tissue within the spine. The isotonic saline provides a current flow path between the electrode terminal and the return electrode, and it allows for a new mechanism for ablation or molecular dissociation of tissue within the spine.