Windowed thermal ablation probe

Abstract

This invention relates to an electrosurgical device having a hollow shaft, an electrically conductive distal tip that is also adapted for penetrating bone, and an intermediate electrically insulating spacer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 401,854 filed on Mar. 28, 2003, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0193152 A1, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0002] This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 259,689 filed on Sep. 30, 2002, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0064136 A1, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In an effort to reduce back pain through early intervention techniques, some investigators have focused upon nerves contained within the vertebral bodies. [0004] For example, PCT Patent Publication No. WO 01 / 0157655 (“Heggeness”) discloses ablating nerves contained within the vertebral body by first boring into the vertebra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] The present inventors have found that the shaft of a bipolar probe adapted to penetrate bone can be made by simply joining a solid, sharp tip onto a hollow tube. The resulting shaft is of sufficient strength to penetrate the cortical shell of a vertebral body. Furthermore, since the shaft comprises a hollow tube, wires for an electrode can be housed within the tube, thereby allowing a bipolar or sesquipolar configuration. The combination of the ability to penetrate a cortical shell and the ability to provide bipolar or sesquipolar function represents an advance over the conventional technology.

[0018] In some embodiments, a space is provided between the tip and tube for ease of manufacturing.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, the present inventors have found that if the tubular portion of the shaft is made of an electrically conductive material and a window is formed in that tubular portion, then a simple and effective probe can be made by electrically insulating the rim of the window and then placing an electrode within the insulated window. This configuration allows the construction of a bipolar electrode having a simple and low cost design.

[0030] In some embodiments, both the return and active electrodes are housed within the same window, thereby further reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Problems solved by technology

However, monopolar approaches require the use of a grounding pad beneath the patient and allows energy to flow from the probe and to dissipate in the surrounding tissue.

Because the path by which the energy flows from a monopolar probe to its corresponding pad is uncontrolled, the energy may undesirably flow through sensitive tissue, such as the spinal cord.

Since this method may cause undesired local muscle or nerve stimulation, it may be difficult or dangerous to operate in sensitive areas of the human body.

Sharkey does not disclose a return and an active electrode located within the same window.

Sharkey does not disclose a window in a conductive shaft.

Sharkey does not disclose a probe having a tip adapted to penetrate bone.

Like Sharkey, Goble does not disclose a return and an active electrode located within the same window, nor a window in a conductive shaft, nor a probe having a tip adapted to penetrate bone.

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