Patent ID: 7979138
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of treating back and neck pain of a patient by radiofrequency heating of an intervertebral disc, comprising the steps of: providing a radiofrequency electrode including proximal and distal ends and having a keyed slot defined therein, the keyed slot including at least two openings separated from each other by a distance along the length of the radiofrequency electrode, the radiofrequency electrode comprising: inserting the radiofrequency electrode into the body of a patient; positioning the key portion within a first of the at least two openings of the keyed slot of the radiofrequency electrode; connecting an external radiofrequency generator to the radiofrequency connection so as to apply a radiofrequency voltage generated by the radiofrequency generator to the radiofrequency tip via the electrical connection; increasing the radiofrequency voltage to cause current to flow from the radiofrequency tip into the intervertebral disc when the radiofrequency tip is placed therein to cause changes in the intervertebral disc material and nearby neurological structures; monitoring the pressure in the intervertebral disc using the pressure sensor probe; and re-positioning the key portion within a second of the at least two openings of the keyed slot of the radiofrequency electrode.