Patent ID: 8034091
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for the in vivo ablation of human or animal cartilage, the method comprising the steps of: (a) applying an exogenous absorber to a portion of a surface of cartilage, wherein the exogenous absorber selectively absorbs electromagnetic energy at a first electromagnetic energy spectrum; (b) deploying an optical conduit for directing electromagnetic energy through a joint capsule of a human or animal; (c) generating electromagnetic energy at a second electromagnetic energy spectrum using a laser diode; and (d) using the optical conduit to direct the electromagnetic energy generated by the laser diode at the second electromagnetic energy spectrum onto the exogenous absorber applied to the portion of the surface of cartilage so that the exogenous absorber selectively absorbs electromagnetic energy causing at least partial ablation of cartilage.