Patent ID: 6997941
Filing Date: 2006-02-14
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
1. A device for treating an intervertebral disc, the device comprising: an introducer including a needle, the introducer defining an introducer lumen, and the introducer having sufficient rigidity to penetrate an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc; and a catheter configured to be inserted through the introducer lumen and into the intervertebral disc, the catheter having a distal region including a bipolar radiofrequency electrode configuration, the distal region having sufficient column strength to be advanced by blunt dissection through a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc to an inner wall of the annulus fibrosus and sufficient rigidity in a direction out of a disc plane of the intervertebral disc to substantially inhibit bending in the direction.