Patent ID: 7357798
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for inhibiting herniation and/or reherniation of a vertebral disc, the vertebral disc including an annulus fibrosus, a nucleus pulposus, and at least one fissure in the annulus fibrosus, the method comprising: positioning a distal end of a shaft of an electrosurgical probe into the disc, the probe having a plurality of electrodes coupled to a high frequency power supply, the plurality of electrodes comprising at least one active electrode and at least one return electrode, the active electrode being disposed towards the distal end of the shaft; positioning at least one active electrode within a portion of the nucleus pulposus, the portion being adjacent to and/or in contact with the fissure; contracting the portion of nucleus pulposus by applying a high frequency voltage between the at least one active electrode and the at least one return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, whereby the contraction coagulates the portion of the nucleus pulposus and inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure; and inserting an implant material between the contracted portion of the nucleus pulposus and the fissure in the annulus fibrosus, thereby improving stability of the disc, and inhibiting migration of the nucleus pulposus through the fissure.