Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6126682?dq=5,675,808
Timestamp: 2016-08-31 22:45:49
Document Index: 39142849

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 08', 'Application No. 09', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 09', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 09', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 09']

Patent US6126682 - Method for treating annular fissures in intervertebral discs - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus includes placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70� C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral...http://www.google.com/patents/US6126682?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6126682 - Method for treating annular fissures in intervertebral discsAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS6126682 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/153,552Publication dateOct 3, 2000Filing dateSep 15, 1998Priority dateAug 13, 1996Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS6099514, US6261311, US6290715, US6517568, US6547810, US6997941, US7267683, US7282061, US7400930, US7647123, US8128619, US8187312, US8226697, US20030181964, US20040102824, US20040111136, US20040111137, US20080039908, US20080039909, US20080051859, US20080058910, US20080091252, US20080262583Publication number09153552, 153552, US 6126682 A, US 6126682A, US-A-6126682, US6126682 A, US6126682AInventorsHugh J. Sharkey, Joel Saal, Jeffrey Saal, John AshleyOriginal AssigneeOratec Interventions, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (129), Non-Patent Citations (92), Referenced by (381), Classifications (122), Legal Events (12) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod for treating annular fissures in intervertebral discs
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS2090923 *Jul 12, 1935Aug 24, 1937 Electrodic endoscopic instrtjmentUS3178728 *Oct 22, 1962Apr 20, 1965Christensen Robert WSurgical prosthesis for the temporomandibular jointUS3579643 *Dec 12, 1968May 25, 1971Morgan Douglas HArtificial articular eminence for the mandibular jointUS3776230 *Apr 18, 1973Dec 4, 1973C NeefeMethod of rapidly reshaping the cornea to eliminate refractive errorsUS3856015 *Jun 8, 1973Dec 24, 1974J IglesiasStabilized cutting loop for resectoscopeUS3867728 *Apr 5, 1973Feb 25, 1975Cutter LabProsthesis for spinal repairUS3879767 *Feb 11, 1974Apr 29, 1975Cutter LabProsthesis for articulating body structuresUS3886600 *Sep 26, 1973Jun 3, 1975Cutter LabJoint prosthesisUS3938198 *Sep 27, 1973Feb 17, 1976Cutter Laboratories, Inc.Hip joint prosthesisUS3945375 *Apr 30, 1973Mar 23, 1976Surgical Design CorporationRotatable surgical instrumentUS3987499 *Aug 9, 1974Oct 26, 1976Sybron CorporationSurgical implant and method for its productionUS3992725 *Oct 17, 1974Nov 23, 1976Homsy Charles AImplantable material and appliances and method of stabilizing body implantsUS4043342 *Feb 26, 1976Aug 23, 1977Valleylab, Inc.Electrosurgical devices having sesquipolar electrode structures incorporated thereinUS4074718 *Mar 17, 1976Feb 21, 1978Valleylab, Inc.Electrosurgical instrumentUS4085466 *Aug 4, 1977Apr 25, 1978National Research Development CorporationProsthetic joint deviceUS4129470 *Jun 7, 1976Dec 12, 1978Homsy Charles AMethod of preparing a porous implantable material from polytetrafluoroethylene and carbon fibersUS4134406 *Oct 7, 1977Jan 16, 1979Iglesias Jose JCutting loop for suction resectoscopesUS4224696 *Sep 8, 1978Sep 30, 1980Hexcel CorporationProsthetic kneeUS4224697 *Sep 8, 1978Sep 30, 1980Hexcel CorporationConstrained prosthetic kneeUS4326529 *Dec 5, 1979Apr 27, 1982The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of EnergyCorneal-shaping electrodeUS4344193 *Nov 28, 1980Aug 17, 1982Kenny Charles HMeniscus prosthesisUS4362160 *Jul 17, 1980Dec 7, 1982Richard Wolf GmbhEndoscopesUS4375220 *May 9, 1980Mar 1, 1983Matvias Fredrick MMicrowave applicator with cooling mechanism for intracavitary treatment of cancerUS4381007 *Apr 30, 1981Apr 26, 1983The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of EnergyMultipolar corneal-shaping electrode with flexible removable skirtUS4397314 *Aug 3, 1981Aug 9, 1983Clini-Therm CorporationMethod and apparatus for controlling and optimizing the heating pattern for a hyperthermia systemUS4476862 *Sep 30, 1982Oct 16, 1984Pao David S CMethod of scleral markingUS4483338 *Jun 12, 1981Nov 20, 1984Raychem CorporationBi-Polar electrocautery needleUS4517965 *Jun 27, 1983May 21, 1985Ellison Arthur ETissue retractorUS4517975 *Jun 6, 1983May 21, 1985Garito Jon CElectrosurgical electrode for matrisectomyUS4590934 *May 18, 1983May 27, 1986Jerry L. MalisBipolar cutter/coagulatorUS4593691 *Jul 13, 1983Jun 10, 1986Concept, Inc.Electrosurgery electrodeUS4597379 *Mar 30, 1983Jul 1, 1986Cabot Medical CorporationMethod of coagulating muscle tissueUS4601705 *May 3, 1985Jul 22, 1986Mccoy William CSteerable and aimable catheterUS4651734 *Feb 8, 1985Mar 24, 1987The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of EnergyElectrosurgical device for both mechanical cutting and coagulation of bleedingUS4811733 *Dec 29, 1986Mar 14, 1989Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.Electrosurgical deviceUS4815462 *Apr 6, 1987Mar 28, 1989Clark Vickie JLipectomy deviceUS4838859 *May 19, 1987Jun 13, 1989Steve StrassmannSteerable catheterUS4846175 *Dec 17, 1987Jul 11, 1989Erintrud FrimbergerProbe for introduction into the human or animal body, in particular a papillotomeUS4873976 *Feb 28, 1984Oct 17, 1989Schreiber Saul NSurgical fasteners and methodUS4894063 *May 24, 1983Jan 16, 1990Baxter International Inc.Barrier layer for implantable tendons and ligamentsUS4895148 *Mar 22, 1989Jan 23, 1990Concept, Inc.Method of joining torn parts of bodily tissue in vivo with a biodegradable tack memberUS4907585 *Dec 3, 1987Mar 13, 1990Schachar Ronald AMethod for improving farsightednessUS4907589 *Apr 29, 1988Mar 13, 1990Cosman Eric RAutomatic over-temperature control apparatus for a therapeutic heating deviceUS4924865 *May 16, 1988May 15, 1990Concept, Inc.Repair tack for bodily tissueUS4944727 *Oct 2, 1987Jul 31, 1990Catheter Research, Inc.Variable shape guide apparatusUS4950234 *May 25, 1988Aug 21, 1990Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Company, LimitedDevice for administering solid preparationsUS4955882 *Mar 30, 1988Sep 11, 1990Hakky Said ILaser resectoscope with mechanical and laser cutting meansUS4966597 *Nov 4, 1988Oct 30, 1990Cosman Eric RThermometric cardiac tissue ablation electrode with ultra-sensitive temperature detectionUS4976709 *Jun 30, 1989Dec 11, 1990Sand Bruce JMethod for collagen treatmentUS4976715 *Jan 30, 1990Dec 11, 1990Concept, Inc.Repair tack for bodily tissueUS4998933 *Jun 10, 1988Mar 12, 1991Advanced Angioplasty Products, Inc.Thermal angioplasty catheter and methodUS5007908 *Sep 29, 1989Apr 16, 1991Everest Medical CorporationElectrosurgical instrument having needle cutting electrode and spot-coag electrodeUS5009656 *Aug 17, 1989Apr 23, 1991Mentor O&O Inc.Bipolar electrosurgical instrumentUS5085657 *Oct 9, 1990Feb 4, 1992Ben Simhon HaimElectrosurgical instrumentUS5085659 *Nov 21, 1990Feb 4, 1992Everest Medical CorporationBiopsy device with bipolar coagulation capabilityUS5098430 *Mar 16, 1990Mar 24, 1992Beacon Laboratories, Inc.Dual mode electrosurgical pencilUS5100402 *Oct 5, 1990Mar 31, 1992Megadyne Medical Products, Inc.Electrosurgical laparoscopic cauterization electrodeUS5103804 *Jul 3, 1990Apr 14, 1992Boston Scientific CorporationExpandable tip hemostatic probes and the likeUS5114402 *Mar 5, 1991May 19, 1992Catheter Research, Inc.Spring-biased tip assemblyUS5152748 *Mar 4, 1991Oct 6, 1992Philippe ChastagnerMedical catheters thermally manipulated by fiber optic bundlesUS5178620 *Feb 22, 1991Jan 12, 1993Advanced Angioplasty Products, Inc.Thermal dilatation catheter and methodUS5186181 *Jul 27, 1990Feb 16, 1993Cafiero FranconiRadio frequency thermotherapyUS5191883 *May 22, 1990Mar 9, 1993Prutech Research And Development Partnership IiDevice for heating tissue in a patient's bodyUS5192267 *Mar 28, 1991Mar 9, 1993Nadiv ShapiraVortex smoke remover for electrosurgical devicesUS5201729 *Nov 30, 1990Apr 13, 1993LaserscopeMethod for performing percutaneous diskectomy using a laserUS5201730 *Jan 3, 1992Apr 13, 1993Surgical Technologies, Inc.Tissue manipulator for use in vitreous surgery combining a fiber optic endoilluminator with an infusion/aspiration systemUS5201731 *Jun 26, 1991Apr 13, 1993Hakky Said ILaser resectoscope with ultransonic imaging meansUS5213097 *Jul 13, 1992May 25, 1993Zewa AgApparatus for the treatment of diseases of the walls of opening or cavities of the bodyUS5230334 *Jan 22, 1992Jul 27, 1993Summit Technology, Inc.Method and apparatus for generating localized hyperthermiaUS5242439 *Nov 26, 1991Sep 7, 1993LaserscopeMeans for inserting instrumentation for a percutaneous diskectomy using a laserUS5242441 *Feb 24, 1992Sep 7, 1993Boaz AvitallDeflectable catheter with rotatable tip electrodeUS5261906 *Dec 9, 1991Nov 16, 1993Ralph PenninoElectro-surgical dissecting and cauterizing instrumentUS5267994 *Feb 10, 1992Dec 7, 1993Conmed CorporationElectrosurgical probeUS5275151 *Dec 11, 1991Jan 4, 1994Clarus Medical Systems, Inc.Handle for deflectable catheterUS5279559 *Mar 6, 1992Jan 18, 1994Aai CorporationRemote steering system for medical catheterUS5284479 *Jul 13, 1992Feb 8, 1994N.V. Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NedapImplanterUS5304169 *Aug 17, 1992Apr 19, 1994Laser Biotech, Inc.Method for collagen shrinkageUS5308311 *May 1, 1992May 3, 1994Robert F. ShawElectrically heated surgical blade and methods of makingUS5311858 *Jun 15, 1992May 17, 1994Adair Edwin LloydImaging tissue or stone removal basketUS5320115 *Jan 16, 1991Jun 14, 1994Applied Biological ConceptsMethod and apparatus for arthroscopic knee surgeryUS5323778 *Nov 5, 1991Jun 28, 1994Brigham & Women's HospitalMethod and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging and heating tissuesUS5334193 *Nov 13, 1992Aug 2, 1994American Cardiac Ablation Co., Inc.Fluid cooled ablation catheterUS5342357 *Nov 13, 1992Aug 30, 1994American Cardiac Ablation Co., Inc.Fluid cooled electrosurgical cauterization systemUS5348554 *Dec 1, 1992Sep 20, 1994Cardiac Pathways CorporationCatheter for RF ablation with cooled electrodeUS5352868 *May 1, 1992Oct 4, 1994Hemostatic Surgery CorporationResistance feedback controlled power supplyUS5354331 *Jul 15, 1992Oct 11, 1994Schachar Ronald ATreatment of presbyopia and other eye disordersUS5364395 *May 14, 1993Nov 15, 1994West Jr Hugh SArthroscopic surgical instrument with cauterizing capabilityUS5366443 *Oct 9, 1992Nov 22, 1994Thapliyal And Eggers PartnersMethod and apparatus for advancing catheters through occluded body lumensUS5366490 *Dec 22, 1993Nov 22, 1994Vidamed, Inc.Medical probe device and methodUS5382247 *Jan 21, 1994Jan 17, 1995Valleylab Inc.Technique for electrosurgical tips and method of manufacture and useUS5397304 *Jun 29, 1993Mar 14, 1995Medtronic CardiorhythmShapable handle for steerable electrode catheterUS5401272 *Feb 16, 1994Mar 28, 1995Envision Surgical Systems, Inc.Multimodality probe with extendable bipolar electrodesUS5415633 *Jul 28, 1993May 16, 1995Active Control Experts, Inc.Remotely steered catheterization deviceUS5423806 *Oct 1, 1993Jun 13, 1995Medtronic, Inc.Laser extractor for an implanted objectUS5433739 *Nov 2, 1993Jul 18, 1995Sluijter; Menno E.Method and apparatus for heating an intervertebral disc for relief of back painUS5437661 *Mar 23, 1994Aug 1, 1995Rieser; BernhardMethod for removal of prolapsed nucleus pulposus material on an intervertebral disc using a laserUS5437662 *Feb 17, 1994Aug 1, 1995American Cardiac Ablation Co., Inc.Fluid cooled electrosurgical cauterization systemUS5451223 *Jul 26, 1994Sep 19, 1995Ben-Simhon; HaimElectrosurgical instrumentUS5458596 *May 6, 1994Oct 17, 1995Dorsal Orthopedic CorporationMethod and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissueUS5464023 *Jan 31, 1994Nov 7, 1995Cordis CorporationMagnetic exchange device for cathetersUS5465737Jan 30, 1995Nov 14, 1995Schachar; Ronald A.Treatment of presbyopia and other eye disordersUS5484403Apr 5, 1994Jan 16, 1996Avid Marketing, Inc.Hypodermic syringe for implanting solid objectsUS5484432Apr 14, 1994Jan 16, 1996Laser Biotech, Inc.Collagen treatment apparatusUS5484435Nov 8, 1993Jan 16, 1996Conmed CorporationBipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in minimally invasive internal surgical proceduresUS5487757Feb 21, 1995Jan 30, 1996Medtronic CardiorhythmMulticurve deflectable catheterUS5498258Sep 13, 1994Mar 12, 1996Hakky; Said I.Laser resectoscope with laser induced mechanical cutting meansUS5500012Jul 8, 1994Mar 19, 1996Angeion CorporationAblation catheter systemUS5507812Apr 26, 1994Apr 16, 1996Moore; David E.Modular prosthetic ligamentUS5514130Oct 11, 1994May 7, 1996Dorsal Med InternationalRF apparatus for controlled depth ablation of soft tissueUS5524338Dec 22, 1994Jun 11, 1996Pi Medical CorporationMethod of making implantable microelectrodeUS5527331Sep 15, 1995Jun 18, 1996FemrxMethod for prostatic tissue resectionUS5542920Sep 12, 1994Aug 6, 1996DelabNeedle-less parenteral introduction deviceUS5569242Feb 16, 1995Oct 29, 1996Lax; Ronald G.Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissueUS5599356Aug 1, 1994Feb 4, 1997Jgc CorporationProcess for producing an aqueous high concentration coal slurryUS5630839Aug 18, 1995May 20, 1997Pi Medical CorporationMulti-electrode cochlear implant and method of manufacturing the sameUS5681282Apr 11, 1995Oct 28, 1997Arthrocare CorporationMethods and apparatus for ablation of luminal tissuesUS5683366Nov 22, 1995Nov 4, 1997Arthrocare CorporationSystem and method for electrosurgical tissue canalizationUS5688270Jan 18, 1995Nov 18, 1997Ethicon Endo-Surgery,Inc.Electrosurgical hemostatic device with recessed and/or offset electrodesUS5697909May 10, 1994Dec 16, 1997Arthrocare CorporationMethods and apparatus for surgical cuttingUS5718702May 6, 1996Feb 17, 1998Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc.Uvula, tonsil, adenoid and sinus tissue treatment device and methodUS5782795Jun 30, 1995Jul 21, 1998Xomed Surgical Products, Inc.Surgical suction cutting instrument with internal irrigationUS5810809Jan 13, 1997Sep 22, 1998Enhanced Orthopaedic Technologies, Inc.Arthroscopic shaver incorporating electrocauteryUS5874500Dec 18, 1996Feb 23, 1999Cohesion Technologies, Inc.Crosslinked polymer compositions and methods for their useUS5888220Jan 23, 1996Mar 30, 1999Advanced Bio Surfaces, Inc.Articulating joint repairFR1122634A Title not availableFR2645008A1 Title not availableGB1340451A Title not availableGB2164473B Title not availableSU637118A1 Title not available* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1 *Attachment I: Competitive Literature on Generators with Bipolar Capabilities, IME Co., Ltd., pp. 60 86.2Attachment I: Competitive Literature on Generators with Bipolar Capabilities, IME Co., Ltd., pp. 60-86.3 *Attachment II: Competitive Literature on Bipolar Forceps and Footswitch Controls, IME Co., Ltd. pp. 87 104.4Attachment II: Competitive Literature on Bipolar Forceps and Footswitch Controls, IME Co., Ltd. pp. 87-104.5Auhll, Richard A., "The Use of the Resectoscope in Gynecology." Biomedical Business International, Oct. 11, 1990, pp. 91-93.6 *Auhll, Richard A., The Use of the Resectoscope in Gynecology. Biomedical Business International, Oct. 11, 1990, pp. 91 93.7Beadling, L., "Bi-Polar electrosurgical devices: Sculpting the future of arthroscopy", Orthopedics today, vol. 17, No. 1, Jan. 1997, 4 pages.8 *Beadling, L., Bi Polar electrosurgical devices: Sculpting the future of arthroscopy , Orthopedics today, vol. 17, No. 1, Jan. 1997, 4 pages.9 *Bosacco et al., Functional Results of Percutaneous Laser Discectomy, Dec. 1996, pp. 825 828.10Bosacco et al., Functional Results of Percutaneous Laser Discectomy, Dec. 1996, pp. 825-828.11 *Bromm et al., Human Neurobiology: Nerve Fibre Discharges, Cerebral Potentials and Sensations Induced by CO2 laser Stimulation, vol. 3, (1984) pp. 33 40.12Bromm et al., Human Neurobiology: Nerve Fibre Discharges, Cerebral Potentials and Sensations Induced by CO2 laser Stimulation, vol. 3, (1984) pp. 33-40.13 *Buchelt et al., Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: Fluorescence Guided Excimer Laser Ablation of Intervertebral Discs In Vitro, vol. 11, (1991) pp. 280 286.14Buchelt et al., Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: Fluorescence Guided Excimer Laser Ablation of Intervertebral Discs In Vitro, vol. 11, (1991) pp. 280-286.15 *Buchelt et al., Lasers in Surgery and Medicine:Erb:YAG and Hol:YAG Laser Ablation of Meniscus and Intervertebral Discs, vol. 12 No. 4, (1992) pp. 375 381.16Buchelt et al., Lasers in Surgery and Medicine:Erb:YAG and Hol:YAG Laser Ablation of Meniscus and Intervertebral Discs, vol. 12 No. 4, (1992) pp. 375-381.17 *Choy et al., Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression: A New Therapeutic Modality, vol. 17 No. 8, (1992) pp. 949 956.18Choy et al., Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression: A New Therapeutic Modality, vol. 17 No. 8, (1992) pp. 949-956.19Christian, C. et al., "Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Patellar Tendon: An Endoscopic Technique", Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, vol. 1, No. 1, Jan. 1993, pp. 50-57.20 *Christian, C. et al., Allograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Patellar Tendon: An Endoscopic Technique , Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine, vol. 1, No. 1, Jan. 1993, pp. 50 57.21 *Cosman et al., Theoretical Aspects of Radiofrequency lesions in the Dorsal Root Entry Zone, vol. 15 No. 6 (1984) pp. 945 950.22Cosman et al., Theoretical Aspects of Radiofrequency lesions in the Dorsal Root Entry Zone, vol. 15 No. 6 (1984) pp. 945-950.23 *Cosset, J.M., Resistive Radiofrequency (Low Frequency) Interstitial Heating (RF Technique), Interstitial Hyperthermia, Dec. 6, 1993, pp. 3 5, 37.24Cosset, J.M., Resistive Radiofrequency (Low Frequency) Interstitial Heating (RF Technique), Interstitial Hyperthermia, Dec. 6, 1993, pp. 3-5, 37.25 *Davis, Early experience with Laser Disc Decompression, vol. 79 No. 1, (1992) j. Florida M.A.26 *Ellman International Mfg., Inc., 1989, Catalog, pp. 1 15, 20.27Ellman International Mfg., Inc., 1989, Catalog, pp. 1-15, 20.28 *Gehring W. J., Exploring the Homeobox, (1993), pp. 215 221.29Gehring W. J., Exploring the Homeobox, (1993), pp. 215-221.30 *Gerber et al., Der Orthopade: Offene Laserchirurgie am Bewegungsapparat, vol. 25, (1996) pp. 56 63.31Gerber et al., Der Orthopade: Offene Laserchirurgie am Bewegungsapparat, vol. 25, (1996) pp. 56-63.32 *Gottlob et al.,Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: Holmium:YAG Laser Ablation of Human Intervertebral Disc: Preliminary Evaluation, vol. 12, (1991) pp. 86 91.33Gottlob et al.,Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: Holmium:YAG Laser Ablation of Human Intervertebral Disc: Preliminary Evaluation, vol. 12, (1991) pp. 86-91.34Houpt, J. et al., "Experimental Study of Temperature Distributions and Thermal Transport During Radiofrequency Current Therapy of the Intervertebral Disc", Spine, vol. 21, No. 15, (1996), pp. 1808-13.35 *Houpt, J. et al., Experimental Study of Temperature Distributions and Thermal Transport During Radiofrequency Current Therapy of the Intervertebral Disc , Spine, vol. 21, No. 15, (1996), pp. 1808 13.36 *Introduction to the LDD Disc Kit, Oct. 16, 1996.37 *Kelly L.E., Purification and Properties of a 23kDa Ca2 binding Protein, (1990) 271, pp. 661 666.38Kelly L.E., Purification and Properties of a 23kDa Ca2+-binding Protein, (1990) 271, pp. 661-666.39 *Kolarik et al., Photonucleolysis of Intervertebral Disc and it s Herniation, vol. 51, (1990) pp. 69 71.40Kolarik et al., Photonucleolysis of Intervertebral Disc and it's Herniation, vol. 51, (1990) pp. 69-71.41 *Leu et al., Der Orthopade: Endoskopie der Wirbelsaule: Minimal invasive Therapie, vol. 21, (1992) pp. 267 272.42Leu et al., Der Orthopade: Endoskopie der Wirbelsaule: Minimal-invasive Therapie, vol. 21, (1992) pp. 267-272.43 *Mayer et al., Lasers in Percutaneous Disc Surgery: Beneficial Technology or Gimmick , vol. 25 No. 251 (1993) pp. 38 44.44Mayer et al., Lasers in Percutaneous Disc Surgery: Beneficial Technology or Gimmick?, vol. 25 No. 251 (1993) pp. 38-44.45 *McCulloch et al., CMA Journal: Percutaneous Radiofrequency Lumbar Rhizolysis (rhizotomy), vol. 116, Jan. 8, 1977.46 *Mehta et al., The Treatment of Chronic back Pain: A Preliminary survey of the Effect of Radiofrequency Denervation of the Posterior Vertebral Joints, vol. 34 (1979) pp. 768 775.47Mehta et al., The Treatment of Chronic back Pain: A Preliminary survey of the Effect of Radiofrequency Denervation of the Posterior Vertebral Joints, vol. 34 (1979) pp. 768-775.48 *Patil et al., Percutaneous Discectomy Using the Electomagnetc Field Focusing Probe: A Feasability Study.49 *Phillips et al., JMRI: MR Imaging of Ho: YAG Laser Diskectomy with Histologic Correlation, vol. 3 No. 3, May/Jun. 1993.50 *PRNewswire ( Dec. 12, 1994), Two Physicians Perform First Outpatient Cervical Disc Procedure Using Laser Technology.51 *Quigley et al., Laser Discectomy: Comparison of Systems, vol. 19 No. 3 (1994) pp. 319 322.52Quigley et al., Laser Discectomy: Comparison of Systems, vol. 19 No. 3 (1994) pp. 319-322.53 *Savitz M. A., Same day Microsurgical Arthroscopic lateral approach Laser assisted (Small) Fluoroscopic Discectomy, vol. 80, Jun. 1994 pp. 1039 1045.54Savitz M. A., Same-day Microsurgical Arthroscopic lateral-approach Laser-assisted (Small) Fluoroscopic Discectomy, vol. 80, Jun. 1994 pp. 1039-1045.55 *Schatz et al., Preliminary Experience With Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression in the Treatment of Sciatica, vol. 38 No. 5, Oct. 1995, pp. 432 436.56Schatz et al., Preliminary Experience With Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression in the Treatment of Sciatica, vol. 38 No. 5, Oct. 1995, pp. 432-436.57Sharkey, H. et al., "Method and Apparatus for Delivering or Removing Material from the Interior of an Intervertebral Disc", U.S. Application No. 08/881,527, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (768).58Sharkey, H. et al., "Method and Apparatus for Delivering or Removing Material from the Interior of an Intervertebral Disc", U.S. Application No. 09/162,704, filed Sep. 29, 1998. (809).59Sharkey, H. et al., "Method and Apparatus for Treating Annular Fissures in Intervertebral Discs", U.S. Application No. 08/881,693, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (769).60Sharkey, H. et al., "Method and Apparatus for Treating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration", U.S. Application No. 08/881,694, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (770).61Sharkey, H. et al., "Method and Apparatus for Treating Intervertebral Discs with Electromagnetic Energy", U.S. Application No. 08/881,692, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (767).62Sharkey, H. et al., "Method and Apparatus for Treating Intervertebral Discs with Thermal Energy", U.S. Application No. 08/881,525, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (766).63Sharkey, H. et al., "Method for Delivering Energy Adjacent the Inner Wall of an Intervertebral Disc", U.S. Application No. 09/236,816, filed Jan. 25, 1999. (812).64 *Sharkey, H. et al., Method and Apparatus for Delivering or Removing Material from the Interior of an Intervertebral Disc , U.S. Application No. 08/881,527, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (768).65 *Sharkey, H. et al., Method and Apparatus for Delivering or Removing Material from the Interior of an Intervertebral Disc , U.S. Application No. 09/162,704, filed Sep. 29, 1998. (809).66 *Sharkey, H. et al., Method and Apparatus for Treating Annular Fissures in Intervertebral Discs , U.S. Application No. 08/881,693, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (769).67 *Sharkey, H. et al., Method and Apparatus for Treating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration , U.S. Application No. 08/881,694, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (770).68 *Sharkey, H. et al., Method and Apparatus for Treating Intervertebral Discs with Electromagnetic Energy , U.S. Application No. 08/881,692, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (767).69 *Sharkey, H. et al., Method and Apparatus for Treating Intervertebral Discs with Thermal Energy , U.S. Application No. 08/881,525, filed Jun. 24, 1997. (766).70 *Sharkey, H. et al., Method for Delivering Energy Adjacent the Inner Wall of an Intervertebral Disc , U.S. Application No. 09/236,816, filed Jan. 25, 1999. (812).71 *Shatz et al., CJS JCC Preliminary Experience With Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression in the Treatment of Sciatica, vol. 38 No. 5, Oct. 1995 pp. 432 436.72Shatz et al., CJS JCC Preliminary Experience With Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression in the Treatment of Sciatica, vol. 38 No. 5, Oct. 1995 pp. 432-436.73 *Sluijter et al., Persistant Pain, Modern Methods of Treatment: Treatment of Chronic Back and neck Pain, vol. 3, (1981) pp. 141 179.74Sluijter et al., Persistant Pain, Modern Methods of Treatment: Treatment of Chronic Back and neck Pain, vol. 3, (1981) pp. 141-179.75 *Sluijter et al., Treatment of Chronic Back and Neck Pain by Percutaneous Therman Lesions, vol. 3 (1981.76 *Sluijter M.E., The Use of Radiofrequency lesions For Pain Relief in Failed Back Patients, vol. 10 No. 1 (1988).77 *Sluijter, Int Disabil Studies: The use of Radio Frequency Lesions For Pain Relief in Failed Back, vol. 10, Sep. 4, 1996, pp. 37 43.78Sluijter, Int Disabil Studies: The use of Radio Frequency Lesions For Pain Relief in Failed Back, vol. 10, Sep. 4, 1996, pp. 37-43.79 *Sluyter, Radiofrequency Lesions in the Treatment of Cervical Pain Syndromes, Radionics, Inc. (1989).80 *Sminia et al., Effects of 434 MHz Microwave Hyperthermia applied to the rat in the region of the cervical Spinal Cord, vol. 3 No. 5 (1987) pp. 441 452.81Sminia et al., Effects of 434 MHz Microwave Hyperthermia applied to the rat in the region of the cervical Spinal Cord, vol. 3 No. 5 (1987) pp. 441-452.82 *Trimedyne, The Less Invasive Laser Advantage, Omni Spinal Introduction System.83Troussier, B. et al., "Percutaneous Intradiscal Radio-Frequency Thermocoagulation: A Cadaveric Study", Spine, vol. 20, No. 15, (Aug. 1995), pp. 1713-18.84 *Troussier, B. et al., Percutaneous Intradiscal Radio Frequency Thermocoagulation: A Cadaveric Study , Spine, vol. 20, No. 15, (Aug. 1995), pp. 1713 18.85 *Vorwerck et al., Laserablation des Nucleus Pulposus: Optische Eigenschaften von Degeneriertem Bandscheibengewebe im Wellenlangenbereich von 200 bis 2200nm, vol. 151 No. 6, (1989) pp. 725 728.86Vorwerck et al., Laserablation des Nucleus Pulposus: Optische Eigenschaften von Degeneriertem Bandscheibengewebe im Wellenlangenbereich von 200 bis 2200nm, vol. 151 No. 6, (1989) pp. 725-728.87 *Wilkins et al., Neurosurgery: Method of Making Nervous System Lesions, ch. 337, pp. 2490 2499.88Wilkins et al., Neurosurgery: Method of Making Nervous System Lesions, ch. 337, pp. 2490-2499.89 *Wolgin et al., Excimer Ablation of Human Intervertebral Disc at 308 Nanometers, vol. 9, (1989) pp. 124 131.90Wolgin et al., Excimer Ablation of Human Intervertebral Disc at 308 Nanometers, vol. 9, (1989) pp. 124-131.91 *Yonezawa et al., The System and Procedure of percutaneous Intradiscal Laser Nucleotomy, vol. 15 No. 5 (1990) pp. 1175 1185.92Yonezawa et al., The System and Procedure of percutaneous Intradiscal Laser Nucleotomy, vol. 15 No. 5 (1990) pp. 1175-1185.* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6402750Apr 4, 2000Jun 11, 2002Spinlabs, LlcDevices and methods for the treatment of spinal disordersUS6503269 *Jun 11, 2001Jan 7, 2003Scott A. NieldMethod of treating intervertebral discs using optical energy and optical temperature feedbackUS6547810Nov 6, 2000Apr 15, 2003Oratec Interventions, Inc.Method for treating intervertebral discsUS6562028 *Jun 11, 2001May 13, 2003Indigo Medical, IncorporatedMethod of treating intervertebral discs by inserting a diffuser directly into the annulusUS6562033Apr 9, 2001May 13, 2003Baylis Medical Co.Intradiscal lesioning apparatusUS6579291Oct 10, 2000Jun 17, 2003Spinalabs, LlcDevices and methods for the treatment of spinal disordersUS6589237Jan 19, 2001Jul 8, 2003Arthrocare Corp.Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for treating tissueUS6592625Sep 5, 2001Jul 15, 2003Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stentUS6595990May 12, 2000Jul 22, 2003Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for electrosurgical tissue revascularizationUS6604003Sep 6, 2001Aug 5, 2003Sherwood Services AgApparatus and method for treatment of an intervertebral discUS6623454Jul 23, 1999Sep 23, 2003Arthrocare Corp.System and method for electrosurgical tissue contractionUS6632193Jan 5, 2000Oct 14, 2003Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatmentUS6638276Jun 6, 2001Oct 28, 2003Oratec Interventions, Inc.Intervertebral disc device employing prebent sheathUS6669687Jun 23, 2000Dec 30, 2003Vahid SaadatApparatus and methods for treating tissueUS6673023Mar 8, 2002Jan 6, 2004Stryker Puerto Rico LimitedMicro-invasive breast biopsy deviceUS6689125Jan 22, 2002Feb 10, 2004Spinalabs, LlcDevices and methods for the treatment of spinal disordersUS6712811Sep 30, 2002Mar 30, 2004Arthrocare CorporationMethods for electrosurgical spine surgeryUS6726684Nov 8, 2000Apr 27, 2004Arthrocare CorporationMethods for electrosurgical spine surgeryUS6726685Jun 6, 2001Apr 27, 2004Oratec Interventions, Inc.Intervertebral disc device employing looped probeUS6733496Jun 6, 2001May 11, 2004Oratec Interventions, Inc.Intervertebral disc device employing flexible probeUS6736815Sep 6, 2001May 18, 2004Core Medical, Inc.Apparatus and methods for treating spinal discsUS6746447Apr 17, 2001Jun 8, 2004Arthrocare CorporationMethods for ablating tissueUS6749604Mar 30, 2000Jun 15, 2004Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical instrument with axially-spaced electrodesUS6749605 *Feb 1, 2001Jun 15, 2004Oratec Interventions, Inc.Catheter for delivery of energy to a surgical siteUS6757565Feb 8, 2002Jun 29, 2004Oratec Interventions, Inc.Electrosurgical instrument having a predetermined heat profileUS6763836Jun 18, 2002Jul 20, 2004Arthrocare CorporationMethods for electrosurgical tendon vascularizationUS6767347Feb 1, 2001Jul 27, 2004Oratec Interventions, Inc.Catheter for delivery of energy to a surgical siteUS6770071Feb 9, 2001Aug 3, 2004Arthrocare CorporationBladed electrosurgical probeUS6772012May 3, 2001Aug 3, 2004Arthrocare CorporationMethods for electrosurgical treatment of spinal tissueUS6773431Feb 22, 2001Aug 10, 2004Arthrocare CorporationMethod for epidermal tissue ablationUS6805130Apr 27, 2001Oct 19, 2004Arthrocare CorporationMethods for electrosurgical tendon vascularizationUS6805695Mar 18, 2003Oct 19, 2004Spinalabs, LlcDevices and methods for annular repair of intervertebral discsUS6812211Mar 19, 2002Nov 2, 2004Michael Andrew SlivkaMethod for nonsurgical treatment of the intervertebral disc and kit thereforUS6821276Dec 11, 2001Nov 23, 2004Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Intervertebral diagnostic and manipulation deviceUS6827712Mar 12, 2001Dec 7, 2004United States Surgical CorporationRobotic arm DLUs for performing surgical tasksUS6832997Jun 6, 2001Dec 21, 2004Oratec Interventions, Inc.Electromagnetic energy delivery intervertebral disc treatment devicesUS6835205Mar 7, 2002Dec 28, 2004Spinalabs, LlcDevices and methods for the treatment of spinal disordersUS6896675Mar 5, 2002May 24, 2005Baylis Medical Company Inc.Intradiscal lesioning deviceUS6921532Oct 22, 2002Jul 26, 2005Spinal Restoration, Inc.Biological Bioadhesive composition and methods of preparation and useUS6936072Jul 10, 2002Aug 30, 2005Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Encapsulated intervertebral disc prosthesis and methods of manufactureUS6980862May 16, 2003Dec 27, 2005Sherwood Services AgApparatus and method for treatment of an intervertebral discUS6984247Feb 12, 2003Jan 10, 2006Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stentUS6997956Mar 19, 2003Feb 14, 2006Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stentUS7004945Oct 29, 2002Feb 28, 2006Spinewave, Inc.Devices and methods for the restoration of a spinal discUS7004970Dec 24, 2002Feb 28, 2006Anulex Technologies, Inc.Methods and devices for spinal disc annulus reconstruction and repairUS7033395Mar 19, 2003Apr 25, 2006Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stentUS7052516Apr 29, 2002May 30, 2006Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and deformable spinal disc annulus stentUS7070596 *Oct 3, 2000Jul 4, 2006Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical apparatus having a curved distal sectionUS7144397Dec 19, 2003Dec 5, 2006Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Minimally invasive system for manipulating intervertebral disc tissueUS7198047May 21, 2003Apr 3, 2007Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Anchored anulus methodUS7201775Sep 24, 2003Apr 10, 2007Bogomir GorensekStabilizing device for intervertebral disc, and methods thereofUS7211055 *Jan 15, 2003May 1, 2007The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaSystem and method providing directional ultrasound therapy to skeletal jointsUS7226446 *Sep 12, 2000Jun 5, 2007Dinesh ModySurgical microwave ablation assemblyUS7229633Dec 4, 2004Jun 12, 2007Spinal Restoration, Inc.Biological bioadhesive compositions and methods of preparation and useUS7235255Dec 3, 2004Jun 26, 2007Spinal Restoration, Inc.Biological bioadhesive compositions and methods of preparation and useUS7258700Oct 25, 2001Aug 21, 2007Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Devices and method for nucleus pulposus augmentation and retentionUS7294127Apr 14, 2005Nov 13, 2007Baylis Medical Company Inc.Electrosurgical tissue treatment methodUS7294617Sep 9, 2004Nov 13, 2007Depuy Acromed, Inc.Method for nonsurgical treatment of the intervertebral disc and kit thereforUS7309359Aug 21, 2003Dec 18, 2007Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Allogenic/xenogenic implants and methods for augmenting or repairing intervertebral discsUS7520888Feb 14, 2006Apr 21, 2009Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Treatment of the vertebral columnUS7547326Jan 3, 2006Jun 16, 2009Jmea CorporationDisc annulus repair systemUS7575577Sep 22, 2003Aug 18, 2009SpinewaveDevices and methods for the restoration of a spinal discUS7597687Aug 17, 2005Oct 6, 2009Spinal Restoration, Inc.Injection of fibrin sealant including an anesthetic in spinal applicationsUS7601157Oct 13, 2009Spine Wave, Inc.Devices and methods for the restoration of a spinal discUS7608108Apr 24, 2006Oct 27, 2009Jmea CorporationTissue repair systemUS7632313Dec 15, 2009Jmea CorporationDisc repair systemUS7645277Jan 12, 2010Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid-assisted medical deviceUS7647123Jan 12, 2010Oratec Interventions, Inc.Method for treating intervertebral discsUS7651494Jan 26, 2010Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid-assisted medical deviceUS7655003Jun 22, 2005Feb 2, 2010Smith & Nephew, Inc.Electrosurgical power controlUS7657255Feb 2, 2010Microsoft CorporationProvisioning of wireless connectivity for devices using NFCUS7658765Oct 22, 2004Feb 9, 2010Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Resilient intervertebral disc implantUS7662177Apr 12, 2006Feb 16, 2010Bacoustics, LlcApparatus and methods for pain relief using ultrasound waves in combination with cryogenic energyUS7670379Feb 16, 2006Mar 2, 2010Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction methodUS7678069Mar 16, 2010Arthrocare CorporationSystem for electrosurgical tissue treatment in the presence of electrically conductive fluidUS7691101Jan 6, 2006Apr 6, 2010Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcerUS7702397Nov 3, 2005Apr 20, 2010Covidien AgApparatus and method for treatment of an intervertebral discUS7704249May 9, 2005Apr 27, 2010Arthrocare CorporationApparatus and methods for electrosurgical ablation and resection of target tissueUS7708733Oct 20, 2004May 4, 2010Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical method and apparatus for removing tissue within a bone bodyUS7713303Apr 28, 2005May 11, 2010Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Collagen-based materials and methods for augmenting intervertebral discsUS7717912Nov 19, 2007May 18, 2010Arthrocare CorporationBipolar electrosurgical clamp for removing and modifying tissueUS7717961 *Feb 5, 2003May 18, 2010Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Apparatus delivery in an intervertebral discUS7722579Jun 29, 2005May 25, 2010Spine Wave, Inc.Devices for injecting a curable biomaterial into a intervertebral spaceUS7727232Feb 4, 2005Jun 1, 2010Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid-assisted medical devices and methodsUS7727241Jun 21, 2004Jun 1, 2010Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Device for delivering an implant through an annular defect in an intervertebral discUS7731981Jan 23, 2007Jun 8, 2010Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Collagen-based materials and methods for treating synovial jointsUS7744651Jun 29, 2010Warsaw Orthopedic, IncCompositions and methods for treating intervertebral discs with collagen-based materialsUS7749273Jul 6, 2010Anulex Technologies, Inc.Method and apparatus for the treatment of the intervertebral disc annulusUS7749275Jul 6, 2010Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Method of reducing spinal implant migrationUS7753933Apr 6, 2005Jul 13, 2010Ensure Medical, Inc.Plug with detachable guidewire element and methods for useUS7753941Jul 13, 2010Anulex Technologies, Inc.Devices and methods for annular repair of intervertebral discsUS7758537Apr 16, 1999Jul 20, 2010Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for electrosurgical removal of the stratum corneumUS7789912Sep 7, 2010Spine Wave, Inc.Apparatus and method for injecting fluent material at a distracted tissue siteUS7794456Apr 10, 2008Sep 14, 2010Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacementUS7811282Oct 12, 2010Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices, electrosurgical unit with pump and methods of use thereofUS7815634Oct 19, 2010Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid delivery system and controller for electrosurgical devicesUS7819863Oct 26, 2010Arthrocare CorporationSystem and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablationUS7822983Aug 21, 2003Oct 26, 2010Microsoft CorporationPhysical device bondingUS7824398Nov 2, 2010Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical systems and methods for removing and modifying tissueUS7824405Nov 2, 2010Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical apparatus and methods for laparoscopyUS7828850Feb 10, 2006Nov 9, 2010Anulex Technologies, Inc.Methods and devices for spinal disc annulus reconstruction and repairUS7837733Jun 29, 2005Nov 23, 2010Spine Wave, Inc.Percutaneous methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral spaceUS7862560Mar 23, 2007Jan 4, 2011Arthrocare CorporationAblation apparatus having reduced nerve stimulation and related methodsUS7867278Mar 14, 2008Jan 11, 2011Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Intervertebral disc anulus implantUS7879034Mar 2, 2006Feb 1, 2011Arthrocare CorporationInternally located return electrode electrosurgical apparatus, system and methodUS7879097 *May 3, 2006Feb 1, 2011Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Method of performing a procedure within a discUS7887593Feb 15, 2011Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Method of implanting natural tissue within the vertebral disc nucleus space using a drawstringUS7892230Feb 22, 2011Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical device having planar vertical electrode and related methodsUS7896872 *Dec 18, 2000Mar 1, 2011Philip Michael FinchApparatus for thermal treatment of an intervertebral discUS7901403Mar 2, 2007Mar 8, 2011Arthrocare CorporationInternally located return electrode electrosurgical apparatus, system and methodUS7905923Mar 15, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Devices and methods for annular repair of intervertebral discsUS7909879Nov 9, 2006Mar 22, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Intervertebral disc annulus stentUS7914553Mar 29, 2011Anova CorporationMethods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graftUS7922768Nov 14, 2006Apr 12, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and deformable spinal disc annulus stentUS7935147Sep 26, 2005May 3, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Method and apparatus for enhanced delivery of treatment device to the intervertebral disc annulusUS7951141Aug 9, 2010May 31, 2011Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacementUS7951142Jan 30, 2004May 31, 2011Smith & Nephew, Inc.Cartilage treatment probeUS7951148Feb 6, 2004May 31, 2011Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Electrosurgical device having a tissue reduction sensorUS7951201Jan 12, 2007May 31, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Method and apparatus for the treatment of the intervertebral disc annulusUS7959679 *Jun 14, 2011Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Intervertebral anulus and nucleus augmentationUS7972337Dec 19, 2006Jul 5, 2011Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Devices and methods for bone anchoringUS7976539Jul 12, 2011Hansen Medical, Inc.System and method for denaturing and fixing collagenous tissueUS7985257Nov 6, 2006Jul 26, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Methods and devices for spinal disc annulus reconstruction and repairUS7988689Aug 2, 2011Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical apparatus and methods for treatment and removal of tissueUS7993405Dec 8, 2006Aug 9, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus repair system and methodsUS7998140Mar 30, 2004Aug 16, 2011Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methodsUS7998213Nov 17, 2006Aug 16, 2011Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Intervertebral disc herniation repairUS8002775Oct 24, 2001Aug 23, 2011Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Methods and instruments for treating pseudoarthrosisUS8002836Sep 20, 2004Aug 23, 2011Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Method for the treatment of the intervertebral disc anulusUS8012139Sep 6, 2011Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Devices and methods for delivering medical agentsUS8012153Jul 16, 2004Sep 6, 2011Arthrocare CorporationRotary electrosurgical apparatus and methods thereofUS8014722Dec 14, 2009Sep 6, 2011Microsoft CorporationProvisioning of wireless connectivity for devices using NFCUS8016823Sep 13, 2011Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical instrument and method of useUS8021425 *Sep 20, 2011Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Versatile method of repairing an intervertebral discUS8025698Apr 27, 2009Sep 27, 2011Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Method of rehabilitating an anulus fibrosusUS8034112Oct 11, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stentUS8038670Oct 18, 2011Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methodsUS8043287Oct 25, 2011Kimberly-Clark Inc.Method of treating biological tissueUS8047407 *Nov 1, 2011Spinal Restoration, Inc.Apparatus and method for delivery of biologic sealantUS8048070Nov 1, 2011Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methodsUS8048160Dec 22, 2005Nov 1, 2011Anulex Technologies, Inc.Intervertebral disc annulus stentUS8052675Nov 8, 2011Smith & Nephew, Inc.Electrosurgical power controlUS8057510May 3, 2005Nov 15, 2011Ensure Medical, Inc.Plug with collet and apparatus and method for delivering such plugsUS8066700Nov 30, 2004Nov 29, 2011Smith & Nephew, Inc.Cartilage treatment probeUS8070818Dec 6, 2011Jmea CorporationDisc annulus repair systemUS8075557Oct 30, 2007Dec 13, 2011Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc.Fluid-assisted medical devices and methodsUS8075587Dec 13, 2011Ensure Medical, Inc.Apparatus and methods for sealing vascular puncturesUS8082043 *Oct 31, 2007Dec 20, 2011Neurotherm, Inc.Method for treating intervertebral disc degenerationUS8083768Dec 27, 2011Ensure Medical, Inc.Vascular plug having composite constructionUS8088144Jan 3, 2012Ensure Medical, Inc.Locator and closure device and method of useUS8088165Mar 23, 2006Jan 3, 2012Anulex Technologies, Inc.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and deformable spinal disc annulus stentUS8096957Mar 7, 2006Jan 17, 2012Kimberly-Clark Inc.Method for removing material from a patient's bodyUS8100896Oct 16, 2008Jan 24, 2012Covidien AgMethod for treatment of an intervertebral discUS8114071May 29, 2007Feb 14, 2012Arthrocare CorporationHard tissue ablation systemUS8114082Aug 20, 2009Feb 14, 2012Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Anchoring system for disc repairUS8118779Jun 30, 2006Feb 21, 2012Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Collagen delivery deviceUS8124075Jul 14, 2005Feb 28, 2012Spinal Restoration, Inc.Enhanced biological autologous tissue adhesive composition and methods of preparation and useUS8128619Oct 30, 2007Mar 6, 2012Neurotherm, Inc.Method for treating intervertebral discsUS8128698Oct 14, 2008Mar 6, 2012Anulex Technologies, Inc.Method and apparatus for the treatment of the intervertebral disc annulusUS8163018Feb 14, 2006Apr 24, 2012Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Treatment of the vertebral columnUS8163022Apr 24, 2012Anulex Technologies, Inc.Method and apparatus for the treatment of the intervertebral disc annulusUS8177847May 15, 2012Jmea CorporationDisc repair systemUS8187269May 29, 2012Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical instruments and techniques for treating pulmonary disordersUS8187312Oct 15, 2007May 29, 2012Neurotherm, Inc.Method for treating intervertebral discUS8192424Jun 5, 2012Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical system with suction control apparatus, system and methodUS8197544Jun 12, 2012Spine Wave, Inc.Method for distracting opposing vertebral bodies of a spineUS8201563Mar 7, 2006Jun 19, 2012Kimberly-Clark, Inc.Method for introducing materials into a bodyUS8206448Aug 17, 2005Jun 26, 2012Spinal Restoration, Inc.Injection of fibrin sealant using reconstituted components in spinal applicationsUS8211126Sep 22, 2009Jul 3, 2012Jmea CorporationTissue repair systemUS8226697Oct 15, 2007Jul 24, 2012Neurotherm, Inc.Method for treating intervertebral discUS8231678May 3, 2006Jul 31, 2012Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Method of treating a herniated discUS8246630Aug 18, 2010Aug 21, 2012Spine Wave, Inc.Apparatus and method for injecting fluent material at a distracted tissue siteUS8257350Jun 17, 2009Sep 4, 2012Arthrocare CorporationMethod and system of an electrosurgical controller with wave-shapingUS8257437Sep 4, 2012Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Methods of intervertebral disc augmentationUS8292887Feb 9, 2011Oct 23, 2012Arthrocare CorporationInternally located return electrode electrosurgical apparatus, system and methodUS8313485Oct 21, 2008Nov 20, 2012Tsunami Medtech, LlcMethod for performing lung volume reductionUS8317786Nov 27, 2012AthroCare CorporationSystem, method and apparatus for electrosurgical instrument with movable suction sheathUS8317802Aug 16, 2012Nov 27, 2012Spine Wave, Inc.System for distracting opposing vertebral bodies of a spineUS8317868Mar 7, 2012Nov 27, 2012Jmea CorporationDisc repair systemUS8323279Sep 25, 2009Dec 4, 2012Arthocare CorporationSystem, method and apparatus for electrosurgical instrument with movable fluid delivery sheathUS8323341Nov 12, 2009Dec 4, 2012Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Impaction grafting for vertebral fusionUS8333204Dec 18, 2012Hansen Medical, Inc.Apparatus and methods for treating tissueUS8348934Sep 23, 2011Jan 8, 2013Smith & Nephew, Inc.Electrosurgical power controlUS8355799Jan 15, 2013Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for limiting joint temperatureUS8361068Oct 12, 2010Jan 29, 2013Medtronic Advanced Energy LlcFluid-assisted electrosurgical devices, electrosurgical unit with pump and methods of use thereofUS8361155Jan 29, 2013Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Soft tissue impaction methodsUS8372067Dec 9, 2009Feb 12, 2013Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgery irrigation primer systems and methodsUS8377058May 27, 2011Feb 19, 2013Smith & Nephew, Inc.Cartilage treatment probeUS8394072Mar 12, 2013Spinal Restoration, Inc.Injection of fibrin sealant including an anesthetic in spinal applicationsUS8394146Mar 12, 2013Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Vertebral anchoring methodsUS8399619Jun 30, 2006Mar 19, 2013Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Injectable collagen materialUS8403895 *Mar 26, 2013Spinal Restoration, Inc.Injection of fibrin sealant including an anesthetic in spinal applicationsUS8403923Mar 26, 2013Spinal Restoration, Inc.Injection of fibrin sealant in the absence of corticosteroids in spinal applicationsUS8409248Jul 9, 2010Apr 2, 2013Core Medical, Inc.Plug with detachable guidewire element and methods for useUS8409284Apr 2, 2013Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Methods of repairing herniated segments in the discUS8419722Apr 16, 2013Spinal Restoration, Inc.Apparatus and method for injection of fibrin sealant in spinal applicationsUS8444636Jan 10, 2006May 21, 2013Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical instrument and method of useUS8444638May 21, 2013Arthrocare CorporationHard tissue ablation systemUS8454612Aug 20, 2009Jun 4, 2013Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Method for vertebral endplate reconstructionUS8454697Apr 5, 2012Jun 4, 2013Anulex Technologies, Inc.Method and apparatus for the treatment of tissueUS8460319Jun 11, 2013Anulex Technologies, Inc.Intervertebral disc annulus repair system and methodUS8470043Dec 17, 2009Jun 25, 2013Benvenue Medical, Inc.Tissue removal tools and methods of useUS8475455Oct 28, 2003Jul 2, 2013Medtronic Advanced Energy LlcFluid-assisted electrosurgical scissors and methodsUS8494502Apr 30, 2012Jul 23, 2013Microsoft CorporationProvisioning of wireless connectivity for devices using NFCUS8500734Sep 14, 2012Aug 6, 2013Smith & Nephew, Inc.Cartilage treatment probeUS8505545Jun 19, 2012Aug 13, 2013Kimberly-Clark, Inc.Method of and device for introducing materials into a bodyUS8506633Dec 27, 2005Aug 13, 2013Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Rehydration and restoration of intervertebral discs with polyelectrolytesUS8512318Jul 27, 2011Aug 20, 2013Covidien LpRobotic arms DLUs for performing surgical tasksUS8518036Nov 13, 2007Aug 27, 2013Kimberly-Clark Inc.Electrosurgical tissue treatment methodUS8523883Aug 18, 2011Sep 3, 2013Hansen Medical, Inc.Apparatus and methods for treating tissueUS8545551Oct 29, 2009Oct 1, 2013Hansen Medical, Inc.Methods, devices, and kits for treating mitral valve prolapseUS8556977Nov 12, 2010Oct 15, 2013Anulex Technologies, Inc.Tissue anchoring system and methodUS8568405Oct 15, 2010Oct 29, 2013Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical wand and related method and systemUS8574187Mar 9, 2009Nov 5, 2013Arthrocare CorporationSystem and method of an electrosurgical controller with output RF energy controlUS8574226Oct 24, 2008Nov 5, 2013Tsunami Medtech, LlcMethod for treating tissueUS8579888Jun 17, 2009Nov 12, 2013Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical probes for the treatment of blood vesselsUS8579892Jul 2, 2008Nov 12, 2013Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical system and method of useUS8579893Jan 22, 2010Nov 12, 2013Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical system and method of useUS8579934Nov 8, 2007Nov 12, 2013Ensure Medical, Inc.Locator and delivery device and method of useUS8603082Dec 5, 2012Dec 10, 2013Smith & Nephew, Inc.Electrosurgical power controlUS8603118May 16, 2012Dec 10, 2013Jmea CorporationTissue repair systemUS8632590Sep 26, 2006Jan 21, 2014Anulex Technologies, Inc.Apparatus and methods for the treatment of the intervertebral discUS8636685May 5, 2009Jan 28, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcerUS8652153Aug 10, 2010Feb 18, 2014Anulex Technologies, Inc.Intervertebral disc annulus repair system and bone anchor delivery toolUS8663152May 5, 2009Mar 4, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcerUS8663153May 5, 2009Mar 4, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcerUS8663154May 5, 2009Mar 4, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcerUS8663203Oct 30, 2007Mar 4, 2014Covidien LpRobotic arms DLUs for performing surgical tasksUS8663216Oct 1, 2007Mar 4, 2014Paul O. DavisonInstrument for electrosurgical tissue treatmentUS8685018Oct 15, 2010Apr 1, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical wand and related method and systemUS8696659Apr 30, 2010Apr 15, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical system and method having enhanced temperature measurementUS8697139Sep 21, 2004Apr 15, 2014Frank M. PhillipsMethod of intervertebral disc treatment using articular chondrocyte cellsUS8702718Nov 2, 2007Apr 22, 2014Jmea CorporationImplantation system for tissue repairUS8721632Sep 8, 2009May 13, 2014Tsunami Medtech, LlcMethods for delivering energy into a target tissue of a bodyUS8740897Aug 12, 2013Jun 3, 2014Kimberly-Clark, Inc.Electrosurgical tissue treatment method and deviceUS8747399Apr 6, 2010Jun 10, 2014Arthrocare CorporationMethod and system of reduction of low frequency muscle stimulation during electrosurgical proceduresUS8747400Aug 13, 2008Jun 10, 2014Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for screen electrode securementUS8747401Jan 20, 2011Jun 10, 2014Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for turbinate reductionUS8758341May 14, 2009Jun 24, 2014Tsunami Medtech, LlcThermotherapy deviceUS8764835Feb 1, 2011Jul 1, 2014Bret A. FerreeIntervertebral disc treatment methods and apparatusUS8801705Apr 20, 2010Aug 12, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical method and apparatus for removing tissue within a bone bodyUS8801790Dec 27, 2005Aug 12, 2014Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Intervertebral disc augmentation and rehydration with superabsorbent polymersUS8821549Nov 25, 2009Sep 2, 2014Anova CorporationMethods and apparatus for anulus repairUS8834496Feb 1, 2011Sep 16, 2014Bret A. FerreeSoft tissue repair methods and apparatusUS8852200Mar 7, 2008Oct 7, 2014Thomas SteffenDevice for injecting high viscosity materialUS8852229Oct 17, 2003Oct 7, 2014Cordis CorporationLocator and closure device and method of useUS8858549Mar 14, 2012Oct 14, 2014Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical instruments and techniques for treating pulmonary disordersUS8870866Apr 27, 2012Oct 28, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical system with suction control apparatus, system and methodUS8870888Jan 14, 2011Oct 28, 2014Thomas SteffenBone cement injection deviceUS8876746Apr 27, 2009Nov 4, 2014Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical system and method for treating chronic wound tissueUS8882755Apr 14, 2005Nov 11, 2014Kimberly-Clark Inc.Electrosurgical device for treatment of tissueUS8888812Nov 14, 2011Nov 18, 2014Cordis CorporationPlug with collet and apparatus and methods for delivering such plugsUS8900223Nov 8, 2010Dec 2, 2014Tsunami Medtech, LlcTissue ablation systems and methods of useUS8911430Sep 19, 2013Dec 16, 2014Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical probes for the treatment of blood vesselsUS8915949May 17, 2010Dec 23, 2014The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaMethod for providing directional therapy to skeletal jointsUS8926603Mar 9, 2011Jan 6, 2015Hansen Medical, Inc.System and method for denaturing and fixing collagenous tissueUS8926654Apr 14, 2008Jan 6, 2015Cordis CorporationLocator and closure device and method of useUS8936642May 23, 2011Jan 20, 2015Anova CorporationMethods for treating a defect in the annulus fibrosisUS8961530Nov 8, 2013Feb 24, 2015Jmea CorporationImplantation system for tissue repairUS8968278Jul 15, 2013Mar 3, 2015Covidien LpRobotic arms DLUs for performing surgical tasksUS8979838May 24, 2010Mar 17, 2015Arthrocare CorporationSymmetric switching electrode method and related systemUS8986304Jun 26, 2012Mar 24, 2015Bsnc Holding, LlcInjection of fibrin sealant using reconstituted components in spinal applicationsUS9011428Mar 1, 2012Apr 21, 2015Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical device with internal digestor electrodeUS9011543Oct 31, 2007Apr 21, 2015Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Methods for augmenting or repairing intervertebral discs with allogenic/xenogenic implantsUS9039741Mar 7, 2013May 26, 2015Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Bone anchor systemsUS9084616Oct 11, 2006Jul 21, 2015Anova CorporationMethods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graftUS9095358Dec 21, 2012Aug 4, 2015Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgery irrigation primer systems and methodsUS9095442Jan 23, 2012Aug 4, 2015Krt Investors, Inc.Method and apparatus for the treatment of the intervertebral disc annulusUS9113944Nov 19, 2012Aug 25, 2015Tsunami Medtech, LlcMethod for performing lung volume reductionUS9113950Nov 4, 2010Aug 25, 2015Regenerative Sciences, LlcTherapeutic delivery deviceUS9114025Jun 29, 2011Aug 25, 2015Krt Investors, Inc.Methods and devices for spinal disc annulus reconstruction and repairUS9131597Feb 2, 2011Sep 8, 2015Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical system and method for treating hard body tissueUS9133438Jun 28, 2012Sep 15, 2015Biorestorative Therapies, Inc.Brown fat cell compositions and methodsUS9138282Jul 27, 2012Sep 22, 2015Arthrocare CorporationMethod and system of an electrosurgical controller with wave-shapingUS9161735Mar 21, 2008Oct 20, 2015The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaSystems, compositions, and methods for local imaging and treatment of painUS9161773Jun 22, 2011Oct 20, 2015Benvenue Medical, Inc.Tissue removal tools and methods of useUS9161801Dec 30, 2010Oct 20, 2015Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical system and method of useUS9168082Feb 9, 2011Oct 27, 2015Arthrocare CorporationFine dissection electrosurgical deviceUS9168087Jul 28, 2010Oct 27, 2015Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical system and method for sterilizing chronic wound tissueUS9192372Jun 3, 2013Nov 24, 2015Krt Investors, Inc.Method for the treatment of tissueUS9204889Sep 12, 2011Dec 8, 2015Tsunami Medtech, LlcMedical instrument and method of useUS9226832Jan 28, 2013Jan 5, 2016Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Interbody fusion material retention methodsUS9232938May 4, 2012Jan 12, 2016Anova Corp.Method and apparatus for closing fissures in the annulus fibrosusUS9241796May 13, 2011Jan 26, 2016Bret A. FerreeMethods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graftUS9254164Sep 26, 2014Feb 9, 2016Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical system with suction control apparatus, system and methodUS9254166Jan 17, 2013Feb 9, 2016Arthrocare CorporationSystems and methods for turbinate reductionUS9254167Dec 9, 2009Feb 9, 2016Arthrocare CorporationElectrosurgical system and method for sterilizing chronic wound tissueUS9271784Mar 14, 2013Mar 1, 2016Arthrocare CorporationFine dissection electrosurgical deviceUS9289198Nov 19, 2014Mar 22, 2016Cordis CorporationLocator and closure device and method of useUS9333087Dec 22, 2014May 10, 2016Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc.Herniated disc repairUS9345537Dec 30, 2010May 24, 2016Avent, Inc.Electrosurgical tissue treatment methodUS9358063Feb 14, 2008Jun 7, 2016Arthrocare CorporationAblation performance indicator for electrosurgical devicesUS20010023348 *Feb 1, 2001Sep 20, 2001Ashley John E.Catheter for delivery of energy to a surgical siteUS20010049522 *Feb 22, 2001Dec 6, 2001Eggers Philip E.System for epidermal tissue ablationUS20030082169 *Oct 29, 2002May 1, 2003Boyd Lawrence M.System and method for the pretreatment of the endplates of an intervertebral discUS20030083642 *Oct 29, 2002May 1, 2003Boyd Lawrence M.Devices and methods for the restoration of a spinal discUS20030120345 *Feb 12, 2003Jun 26, 2003Cauthen Joseph C.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stentUS20030125807 *Jul 10, 2002Jul 3, 2003Gregory LambrechtEncapsulated intervertebral disc prosthesis and methods of manufactureUS20030158604 *Dec 24, 2002Aug 21, 2003Cauthen Joseph C.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stentUS20030181365 *Mar 19, 2002Sep 25, 2003Slivka Michael AndrewMethod for nonsurgical treatment of the intervertebral disc and kit thereforUS20030187507 *Mar 19, 2003Oct 2, 2003Cauthen Joseph C.Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stentUS20030216721 *Jan 15, 2003Nov 20, 2003The Regents Of The University Of CalforniaSystem and method providing directional ultrasound therapy to skeletal jointsUS20030220690 *Mar 24, 2003Nov 27, 2003Cauthen Joseph C.Intervertebral disc annulus repair devices and methodsUS20040015218 *Dec 18, 2000Jan 22, 2004Finch Philip P.M.Apparatus for thermal treatment of an intervertebral discUS20040034429 *May 21, 2003Feb 19, 2004Lambrecht Gregg H,Anchored anulus methodUS20040054414 *Sep 18, 2002Mar 18, 2004Trieu Hai H.Collagen-based materials and methods for augmenting intervertebral discsUS20040059254 *Sep 22, 2003Mar 25, 2004Stryker Puerto Rico LimitedMicro-invasive breast biopsy deviceUS20040059418 *Sep 18, 2003Mar 25, 2004Mckay William F.Natural tissue devices and methods of implantationUS20040064058 *Oct 24, 2001Apr 1, 2004Mckay William F.Methods and instruments for treating pseudoarthrosisUS20040083002 *Oct 22, 2003Apr 29, 2004Belef William MartinMethods for treating spinal discsUS20040097924 *May 7, 2003May 20, 2004Gregory LambrechtDevices and method for augmenting a vertebral discUS20040133229 *Dec 19, 2003Jul 8, 2004Lambrecht Gregory H.Minimally invasive system for manipulating intervertebral disc tissueUS20040138673 *Dec 19, 2003Jul 15, 2004Lambrecht Gregory H.Lateral probe advancement in intervertebral disc tissueUS20040158248 *Feb 5, 2004Aug 12, 2004Ginn Richard S.Apparatus and methods for treating spinal discsUS20040172132 *Feb 5, 2004Sep 2, 2004Ginn Richard S.Apparatus and methods for treating spinal discsUS20040230305 *Sep 24, 2003Nov 18, 2004Bogomir GorensekStabilizing device for intervertebral disc, and methods thereofUS20050004578 *Feb 5, 2003Jan 6, 2005Lambrecht Gregory H.Apparatus delivery in an intervertebral discUS20050038518 *Sep 9, 2004Feb 17, 2005Depuy Spine, Inc.Method for nonsurgical treatment of the intervertebral disc and kit thereforUS20050043801 *Aug 21, 2003Feb 24, 2005Trieu Hai H.Allogenic/xenogenic implants and methods for augmenting or repairing intervertebral discsUS20050069571 *Sep 30, 2003Mar 31, 2005Michael SlivkaMethod for treatment of defects in the intervertebral discUS20050071012 *Sep 30, 2003Mar 31, 2005Hassan SerhanMethods and devices to replace spinal disc nucleus pulposusUS20050152889 *Dec 3, 2004Jul 14, 2005Spinal Restoration, Inc.Biological boadhesive compositions and methods of preparation and useUS20050152961 *Dec 4, 2004Jul 14, 2005Spinal Restoration, Inc.Biological bioadhesive compositions and methods of preparation and useUS20050177209 *Apr 14, 2005Aug 11, 2005Baylis Medical Company Inc.Bipolar tissue treatment systemUS20050177210 *Apr 14, 2005Aug 11, 2005Baylis Medical Company Inc.Electrosurgical tissue treatment methodUS20050182414 *Jan 7, 2005Aug 18, 2005Richard ManziApparatus and method for injecting fluent material at a distracted tissue siteUS20050197707 *Apr 28, 2005Sep 8, 2005Trieu Hai H.Collagen-based materials and methods for augmenting intervertebral discsUS20050209699 *Mar 29, 2005Sep 22, 2005Slivka Michael AMethod for nonsurgical treatment of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc using genipin or proanthrocyanidin, and kit thereforUS20060009779 *Jun 29, 2005Jan 12, 2006Keith CollinsDevices for injecting a curable biomaterial into a intervertebral spaceUS20060009851 *Jun 29, 2005Jan 12, 2006Keith CollinsPercutaneous methods for injecting a curable biomaterial into an intervertebral spaceUS20060052848 *Nov 3, 2005Mar 9, 2006Raymond FredricksApparatus and method for treatment of an intervertebral discUS20060064145 *Sep 21, 2004Mar 23, 2006Podhajsky Ronald JMethod for treatment of an intervertebral discUS20060095016 *Aug 17, 2005May 4, 2006Kevin PauzaInjection of fibrin sealant including an anesthetic in spinal applicationsUS20060095075 *Aug 17, 2005May 4, 2006Burkinshaw Brian DInjection of fibrin sealant using reconstituted components in spinal applicationsUS20060106364 *Aug 17, 2005May 18, 2006Whitlock Steven IInjection of fibrin sealant in the absence of corticosteroids in spinal applicationsUS20060153384 *Dec 30, 2004Jul 13, 2006Microsoft CorporationExtensible architecture for untrusted medium device configuration via trusted mediumUS20060217811 *May 3, 2006Sep 28, 2006Lambrecht Gregory HMethod of performing a procedure within a discUS20060224219 *Mar 29, 2006Oct 5, 2006Sherwood Services AgMethod of using neural stimulation during nucleoplasty proceduresUS20070015463 *Jun 23, 2005Jan 18, 2007Microsoft CorporationProvisioning of wireless connectivity for devices using NFCUS20070142839 *Feb 15, 2007Jun 21, 2007Ferree Bret AMethods and apparatus for treating disc herniation and preventing the extrusion of interbody bone graftUS20070150060 *Dec 27, 2005Jun 28, 2007Sdgi Holdings, IncRehydration and restoration of intervertebral discs with polyelectrolytesUS20070150061 *Dec 27, 2005Jun 28, 2007Sdgi Holdings, Inc.Intervertebral disc augmentation and rehydration with superabsorbent polymersUS20070191781 *Jan 5, 2007Aug 16, 2007Mark RichardsApparatus and method for injection of fibrin sealant in spinal applicationsUS20070213660 *Jan 5, 2007Sep 13, 2007Mark RichardsFibrin sealant delivery device including pressure monitoring, and method and kits thereofUS20070225814 *May 25, 2007Sep 27, 2007Anulex Technologies, Inc.Devices and Methods for the Treatment of Spinal DisordersUS20070244528 *Apr 12, 2006Oct 18, 2007Eilaz BabaevApparatus and methods for pain relief using ultrasound waves in combination with cryogenic energyUS20070286881 *May 24, 2007Dec 13, 2007Brian BurkinshswMethod, composition and kit for treating degenerated disc disease and discogenic painUS20080016558 *Jul 11, 2007Jan 17, 2008Microsoft CorporationPhysical device bondingUS20080058952 *Oct 31, 2007Mar 6, 2008Trieu Hai HAllogenic/xenogenic implants and methods for augmenting or repairing intervertebral discsUS20080060970 *Oct 24, 2007Mar 13, 2008Wheeler John LApparatus and method for delivery of biologic sealantUS20080108940 *Oct 31, 2007May 8, 2008Oratec Interventions, Inc.Method for treating intervertebral disc degenerationUS20080206298 *Jul 14, 2005Aug 28, 2008Burkinshaw Brian DEnhanced biological autologous tissue adhesive composition and methods of preparation and useUS20080243129 *Mar 7, 2008Oct 2, 2008Thomas SteffenDevice for injecting high viscosity materialUS20090030308 *Mar 21, 2008Jan 29, 2009The Regents Of The University Of CaliforniaSystems, compositions, and methods for local imaging and treatment of painUS20090112267 *Aug 20, 2007Apr 30, 2009Anulex Technologies, Inc.Devices and methods for the treatment of spinal disordersUS20090181892 *Mar 11, 2009Jul 16, 2009Spinal Restoration, Inc.Methods and kits for treating joints and soft tissuesUS20100145424 *Dec 3, 2009Jun 10, 2010Covidien AgMethod for Treatment of an Intervertebral DiscUS20100179161 *Aug 16, 2006Jul 15, 2010Astrazeneca AbPyrazoline derivatives for the treatment of turberculosisUS20100233148 *Oct 5, 2009Sep 16, 2010Spinal Restoration, Inc.Injection of fibrin sealant including an anesthetic in spinal applicationsUS20100274243 *Oct 28, 2010Raymond FredricksApparatus and Method for Treatment of an Intervertebral DiscUS20100312173 *Dec 9, 2010Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Devices and Methods for Delivering Medical AgentsUS20110004217 *Jan 6, 2011Spine Wave, Inc.Apparatus and Method for Injecting Fluent Material at a Distracted Tissue SiteUS20110160737 *Jun 30, 2011Thomas SteffenBone cement injection deviceUS20110230879 *Sep 22, 2011Smith & Nephew, Inc.Cartilage treatment probeUS20120156284 *Feb 28, 2012Jun 21, 2012Spinal Restoration, Inc.Enhanced biological autologous tissue adhesive composition and methods of preparation and useUSD658760May 1, 2012Arthrocare CorporationWound care electrosurgical wandDE102012111581A1Nov 29, 2012Jun 5, 2014Acandis Gmbh & Co. KgMedical tempering device for treatment of hypothermia of patient, has heat exchanger fluid-connected with supply conduit, and seal portion forming flow channel, where mouth of seal portion is arranged distal from end of conduitEP1465701A2 *Jan 15, 2003Oct 13, 2004The Regents of The University of CaliforniaSystem and method providing directional ultrasound therapy to skeletal jointsEP1812086A2 *Oct 31, 2005Aug 1, 2007Spinal Restoration, IncInjection of fibrin sealant including an anesthetic in spinal applicationsEP2131926A1 *Mar 18, 2008Dec 16, 2009Misonix IncorporatedSpinal treatment method and associated apparatusWO2001062168A2Feb 23, 2001Aug 30, 2001Oratec Interventions, Inc.Apparatus and method for accessing and performing a function within an intervertebral discWO2002011635A1 *May 15, 2001Feb 14, 2002Arthrocare CorporationApparatus for treatment of spinal disordersWO2002098300A2Jun 4, 2002Dec 12, 2002Oratec Interventions, Inc.Intervertebral disc device employing looped probeWO2002098300A3 *Jun 4, 2002Dec 18, 2003John E AshleyIntervertebral disc device employing looped probeWO2002098308A1Jun 4, 2002Dec 12, 2002Oratec Interventions, Inc.Intervertebral disc device employing flexible probeWO2002102233A3 *Jun 13, 2002Nov 6, 2003Intrinsic Therapeutics IncIntervertebral diagnostic and manipulation deviceWO2003003930A1 *Jul 3, 2002Jan 16, 2003Nidus Medical LlcApparatus and methods for treating tissueWO2004011092A1 *Jul 25, 2003Feb 5, 2004Triton Biosystems, Inc.Method and device to treat back painWO2007089942A2 *Feb 1, 2007Aug 9, 2007Spinal Restoration, Inc.Fibrin sealant delivery device including pressure monitoring, and methods and kits thereofWO2011082390A2 *Jan 3, 2011Jul 7, 2011Yeung Jeffrey EInternal and external disc shunts alleviate back painWO2011082390A3 *Jan 3, 2011Oct 20, 2011Yeung Jeffrey EDisc shunts for back pain* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification607/96, 606/101International ClassificationA61M25/00, A61B18/08, A61M1/00, A61B18/18, A61B17/16, A61F2/44, A61B19/00, A61M25/09, A61B17/34, A61B18/14, A61B17/22, A61B17/88, A61F7/02, A61N1/40, A61B18/00, A61N1/06, A61B17/00, A61B18/24, A61F2/30, A61B17/32, A61B18/04, A61M25/01, A61B17/28Cooperative ClassificationA61B2018/1425, A61B2218/002, A61M25/0147, A61B18/08, A61B2017/320008, A61B2018/1435, A61M25/0133, A61M25/0155, A61B2017/00119, A61B2018/00702, A61B2018/046, A61B2017/00455, A61B2017/00867, A61B2018/1405, A61B17/7061, A61B17/3496, A61B18/1492, A61B2017/0011, A61B2218/007, A61B18/24, A61B2017/3488, A61B17/00491, A61M25/0084, A61M25/09, A61B2018/00625, A61B2017/2905, A61B2017/00274, A61B17/3203, A61B2017/00084, A61B17/320068, A61B2018/00797, A61B18/1485, A61N1/403, A61F2002/30677, A61B2017/22044, A61B18/14, A61F2007/0298, A61B2018/00577, A61B18/00, A61B2017/00022, A61B2018/1807, A61B2017/2927, A61B18/082, A61B18/1482, A61B2017/22082, A61B2018/0044, A61B2018/00547, A61B2017/003, A61B2018/1266, A61B2017/00336, A61B17/320016, A61B10/02, A61B2018/1407, A61B2018/00791, A61B17/29, A61M25/0144, A61N1/06, A61B2018/00595, A61B2018/00434, A61B2017/00261, A61B2017/22087, A61B2018/1472, A61M25/0158, A61B17/8836, A61N1/40, A61B2018/00654, A61B2017/22049, A61B18/148, A61F2/442, A61B2018/00011, A61B18/18, A61B17/1671, A61B2217/005, A61B2017/3445, A61B17/3421, A61B2017/320044, A61B2018/00267, A61B2090/0454, A61B2090/064, A61B2090/3937, A61B34/20, A61B2090/061European ClassificationA61B17/88A4C, A61B17/70L, A61N1/40T, A61B17/32E, A61B17/32U, A61M25/01C10, A61N1/06, A61B18/14V, A61N1/40, A61B18/14R, A61B17/16S4, A61B18/00, A61B18/14S, A61B18/14P, A61B18/08BLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionSep 15, 1998ASAssignmentOwner name: ORATEC INTERVENTIONS, INC., CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHARKEY, HUGH J.;SAAL, JEFFREY;SAAL, JOEL;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:009467/0253;SIGNING DATES FROM 19980115 TO 19980120Apr 9, 2002CCCertificate of correctionAug 27, 2002CCCertificate of correctionDec 23, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: ORATEC INTERVENTIONS, INC., CALIFORNIAFree format text: CORRECTIVE TO CORRECT HUGH R. SHARKLEY NAME ORGINALLY RECORDED 09151998.;ASSIGNORS:SHARKEY, HUGH R.;SAAL, JEFFREY;SAAL, JOEL;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:013599/0032;SIGNING DATES FROM 19980115 TO 19980120Oct 21, 2003CCCertificate of correctionMar 23, 2004FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Mar 7, 2008FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8May 11, 2010ASAssignmentOwner name: NEUROTHERM, INC.,MASSACHUSETTSFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ORATEC INTERVENTIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:024358/0917Effective date: 20100407Owner name: NEUROTHERM, INC., MASSACHUSETTSFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ORATEC INTERVENTIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:024358/0917Effective date: 20100407Jan 25, 2011ASAssignmentOwner name: RBS CITIZENS, N.A., MASSACHUSETTSFree format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NEUROTHERM, INC.;REEL/FRAME:025749/0177Effective date: 20100514Feb 3, 2011ASAssignmentOwner name: MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING LLC, AS AGENT, ILLINOISFree format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:NEUROTHERM, INC.;REEL/FRAME:025736/0482Effective date: 20110202Mar 7, 2012FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 12Aug 6, 2014ASAssignmentOwner name: NEUROTHERM, INC., MASSACHUSETTSFree format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MADISON CAPITAL FUNDING LLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:033483/0265Effective date: 20140806RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services