Device and method for alleviation of pain

Abstract

A target-treating system treats a target disposed within a bone of a patient. The system comprises a probe configured to be inserted into the bone and navigated therethrough toward the target. The probe comprises a shaft that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a main body extending between and interconnecting the proximal end and the distal end. The distal end is configured to engage the target such that, upon activation of the probe, the target is treated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 012,091, filed Jun. 13, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Furthermore, the present application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,242, filed Feb. 1, 2001, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 179,959, filed Feb. 3, 2000, the entire disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to a device and method for treatment of a target structure. The device and method are particularly well-suited for surgical ablation of pain-producing structures within a bone (e.g., intraosseus nerves). For instance, as will be discussed in greater detail below, preferred embodiments of the present invention are well suited for use with methods for the treatment of back pain. More particular...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for treating targets in bones. It includes a probe with a shaft that is inserted into the bone and navigated towards the target. The shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a main body that connects them. The distal end of the shaft is designed to engage the target for treatment. To avoid damage to sensitive structures, the main body of the probe has an obstruction-avoidance portion with a proximal bend and a distal bend that are oriented in opposite directions. In some versions of the system, a depth limiter is included to prevent over-inserting the probe. The technical effect of this system is that it allows for safe and effective treatment of targets in bones while minimizing damage to adjacent structures.

Problems solved by technology

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that devices and methods for alleviating pain often result in thermal damage to and / or prolonged retraction of sensitive anatomic structures near or adjacent to the pain source itself and / or the access route to the pain source.

Furthermore, methods of use of such devices are often limited exclusively to generally posterior approaches (i.e., entry from the posterior side) to the pain source due at least in part to obstructed generally anterior access.

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