Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for control contraction of tissue that includes collagen fibers. The apparatus includes a handpiece, and an electrode with an electrode proximal end associated with the handpiece. A distal end of the electrode has a geometry that delivers a controlled amount of energy to the tissue for a desired contraction of the collagen fibers. This is achieved while dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers is minimized. The handpiece, with electrode, is adapted to be introduced through an operating cannula in percutaneous applications. Additionally, an operating cannula may be included in the apparatus and be attached to the handpiece. The apparatus and method provides for a desired level of contraction of collagen soft tissue without dissociation or breakdown of collagen fibers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 664,473, filed Sep. 18, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 696,051, filed Aug. 13, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 637,095, filed Apr. 24, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,204, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 389,924, filed Feb. 16, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,242, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08 / 238,862, filed May 6, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,596.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to the contraction of soft tissue, and more particularly, to the compaction of soft collagen tissue with minimal dissociation of collagen tissue. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Instability of peripheral joints has long been recognized as a significant cause of disability and functional limitation in patients who ar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus to control the duration and application of thermal energy to a tissue site made that includes collagen soft tissue, a desired level of contraction of collagen fibers is obtained while dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers is minimized.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to use RF heating in a fluid environment to control thermal spread to a tissue that includes collagen soft tissue, and a desired contraction of collagen fibers is obtained while minimizing dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers.

Problems solved by technology

Instability of peripheral joints has long been recognized as a significant cause of disability and functional limitation in patients who are active in their daily activities, work or sports.

This makes some joints more prone to instability than others.

In fact subluxations and dislocations are a common occurrence and cause for a large number of orthopedic procedures each year.

Symptoms include pain, instability, weakness, and limitation of function.

If the instability is severe and recurrent, functional incapacity and arthritis may result.

However, it is often more technically demanding to advance and tighten capsule or ligamentous tissue arthroscopically because of the difficult access to pathologically loose tissue and because it is very hard to determine how much tightening or advancement of the lax tissue is clinically necessary.

In addition, fixation of advanced or tightened soft tissue is more difficult arthroscopically than through open surgical methods.

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