Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction

Abstract

An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The ratio of the surface area of the first conductive electrode to the surface area of the second conductive electrode may be adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention is an electrosurgical probe having a probe body which defines a single longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe of this aspect of the invention further includes more than two electrodes operatively disposed at separate and distinct positions along the axis of the probe body. The electrodes may be selectively connected to one of or a combination of a stimulation energy source, an ablation energy source or a ground for either energy source. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of placing an electrosurgical probe such as described above for specific ablation procedures.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 870,202, filed Jun. 17, 2004, entitled “Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction,” now published, which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to a method and device used in the field of Minimally Invasive Surgery (or MIS) for interrupting the flow of signals through nerves. These nerves may be rendered incapable of transmitting signals either on a temporarily (hours, days or weeks) or a permanent (months or years) basis. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a single puncture system which features electrodes capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The human nervous system is used to send and receive signals. The pathway taken by the nerve signals conveys sensory information such as pain, heat, cold and touch and command signals which cause movemen...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Often extraneous, undesired, or abnormal signals are generated (or are transmitted) along nervous system pathways.

Similarly, the compression or other activation of certain nerves may cause referred pain.

Certain diseases also may compromise the lining of nerves such that signals are spontaneously generated, which can cause a variety of maladies, from seizures to pain or (in extreme conditions) even death.

Abnormal signal activations can cause many other problems including (but not limited to) twitching, tics, seizures, distortions, cramps, disabilities (in addition to pain), other undesirable conditions, or other painful, abnormal, undesirable, socially or physically detrimental afflictions.

In other situations, the normal conduction of nerve signals can cause undesirable effects.

For example in cosmetic applications the activation of the corrugator supercilli muscle causes frown lines which may result in permanent distortion of the brow (or forehead); giving the appearance of premature aging.

Direct surgical interruption of nerves is however a difficult procedure.

One disadvantage of a unipolar system is that the return electrode must be properly placed and in contact throughout the procedure.

If the contact with the patient is reduced or if the jelly dries out, a high-current density area may result, increasing the probability for burns at the contact point.

One disadvantage of a conventional bipolar system is that the target tissue must be properly located and isolated between these surfaces.

This abnormal signal flow results in excessive and potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias.

These techniques described are highly invasive and sometimes temporary as nerves regenerate over time and repeat or alternative procedures are required.

While minimally invasive, this technique is predictably transient; so, it must be re-done every few months.

These systems were apparently unable to produce permanent results possibly because of limitations inherent in a two needle bipolar configuration.

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