Patent ID: 6726684
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of using an electrosurgical system for alleviation of spinal pain by targeted electrosurgery of an intervertebral disc of a patient, the electrosurgical system including a power supply unit functionally coupled to at least one active electrode, the at least one active electrode disposed on a shaft distal end of an electrosurgical instrument, and the method comprising:a) advancing an introducer needle towards the intervertebral disc, the introducer needle including a lumen and a needle distal end; b) passing the shaft distal end through the lumen distally beyond the needle distal end, wherein the shaft distal end avoids contact with the needle distal end; and c) applying a high frequency voltage between the at least one active electrode and at least one return electrode while the shaft distal end is in the vicinity said intervertebral disc.