Electrosurgical generator

Abstract

An electrosurgical generator that can be used, for example, to provide radio-frequency (RF) energy for localized tissue coagulation, cutting, ablation, and to create lesions in nervous tissue. The generator can provide controls for line power, RF power, setting temperature and / or power, for selecting preset temperature and power combinations, and for selecting programmed treatment profiles. The generator can have a display to display the desired probe and tissue temperature, measured probe impedance, actual probe and / or tissue temperature, delivered power, treatment time, mode setting, preset selection, and messages, and indicators for RF Power On, Stimulation On, and Fault Condition. The generator can include the ability to generate low frequency pulses to stimulate nerves and to assist in the proper placement of the electrosurgical probe in the location that is causing pain.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 873,289 filed on Jun. 23, 2004. The disclosure of this prior application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This description relates to electrosurgical generators. [0004] 2. Related Art [0005] Lower back pain is a common ailment and affects many people at some point in their lives. Frequently, this pain is the result of cracks or fissures that develop in the wall of the intervertebral disc. These fissures are filled with small nerve endings and blood vessels, and often are a chronic source of pain. Additionally, the inner disc tissue (nucleus) frequently bulges (herniates) into these fissures in the outer region of the disc, likewise stimulating pain sensors within the disc. [0006] Electrosurgical procedures provide minimally invasive treatment options for treating lower back pain by apply...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The generator can include the ability to generate low frequency pulses to stimulate nerves and to assist in the proper placement of the electrosurgical probe in the location that is causing pain. For example, the generator may include the ability to generate low frequency pulses of 0.1 to 3 ms in duration at a frequency between approximately 2-50 hz.

[0009] Temperature and impedance monitoring can be used to assist the surgeon by automatically adjusting energy delivery to maintain effective tissue heating during temperature control applications. Preset temperature and power settings can offer the convenience of quickly configuring the generator for use. Programmed temperature profiles can provide the convenience of selecting a treatment setting for use with a particular type of probe, for example, the Smith and Nephew SPINECATH® Intradiscal Catheter, the Smith and Nephew Decompression Catheter, and the Smith & Nephew RF Denervation Probe.

Problems solved by technology

Frequently, this pain is the result of cracks or fissures that develop in the wall of the intervertebral disc.

These fissures are filled with small nerve endings and blood vessels, and often are a chronic source of pain.

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