| ArthroCare Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120130422 | NOVEL SUTURE - A knotless suture system formed from two lengths of suture joined at a suture junction point, with at least four suture limbs extending from the suture junction. The knotless suture system provides the ability to construct a suture bridge for soft tissue repair and fixation across a medial and lateral row bone fixation anchor configuration while passing the suture system in a simplified method of suture management. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120083782 | ELECTROSURGICAL APPARATUS WITH LOW WORK FUNCTION ELECTRODE - An electrosurgical apparatus includes an active electrode with a low-work function coating to improve ablation performance. Low-work function coatings include compounds of alkali metals and alkali earth metals. Additionally, the active electrode may include various micro-structures or asperities or nano-structures or asperities. An array of carbon nanotubes may be aligned and secured on the active electrode. A return electrode comprises a high-work function coating to suppress electrical discharge activity on the return electrode. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20110178526 | CANNULA HAVING ASYMMETRICALLY-SHAPED THREADS - Methods and apparatus for performing a medical procedure which involves penetrating a bone structure are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing a surgical procedure includes introducing an assembly that includes a threaded cannula and a stylet into a bone structure. The threads have a shape that allows the cannula tip to be pushed into the bone body yet prevent the tip from being pulled out of the bone body. In one embodiment, the threads have a buttress shape. The method may also include applying a rotational motion, as for example a torque, to the threaded cannula to adjust the depth of insertion with respect to the implantation site when it is determined that the depth of insertion is to be adjusted. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110130753 | INTERNALLY LOCATED RETURN ELECTRODE ELECTROSURGICAL APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A bipolar, plasma-generating electrosurgical apparatus and system wherein the return electrode is enclosed within an electrosurgical shaft, and the active electrode is located on the outside surface of the shaft such that in treating the tissue, the tissue is exposed to plasma generated on the active electrode, but is minimally exposed to electric fields generated between the active and return electrodes. Due to the configuration of the electrodes, electric fields generated between the electrodes are directed away from the target tissue and inwardly towards the return electrode within the shaft, thereby electrical stimulation of neuromuscular structures in the tissue by the electric fields is minimized. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110028997 | BONE ANCHOR INSERTION DEVICE - A bone anchor insertion device comprises a handle, a nosepiece connected to a distal end of the handle, a bone anchor connected to the nosepiece, and an actuator disposed on the handle for deploying the bone anchor, which suture is also fixed to a portion of soft tissue to be attached to a portion of bone. A suture ratchet or tensioning mechanism is disposed in the handle for tensioning suture which is associated with the bone anchor. This mechanism permits precise tensioning, while also permitting one-handed operation, thereby allowing the practitioner to use his or her other hand for other activities, such as camera operation or the like. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20100324553 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROSURGICAL INTERVERTEBRAL DISC REPLACEMENT - The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324534 | NASAL PACKING DEVICE - A kit for packing and supporting the nasal cavities after surgical procedures performed on the nose comprising two inflatable non-elastomeric balloons ( | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100318083 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STERILIZING CHRONIC WOUND TISSUE - An electrosurgical method for sterilizing chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the chronic wound tissue; delivering an electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of the electrically conductive liquid sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer sterilizes at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100292689 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING CHRONIC WOUND TISSUE - An electrosurgical method for treating chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the chronic wound, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode sufficient to debride and sterilize at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue; and applying a skin graft in the vicinity of the chronic wound tissue. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100204690 | SINGLE APERTURE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - Systems and methods for securing a screen-type active electrode to the distal tip of an electrosurgical device used for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. A securing electrode is disposed through the screen electrode and mechanically joined to an insulative support body while also creating an electrical connection and mechanical enagement with the screen electrode. The electrosurgical device and related methods are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The present methods and systems are particularly useful for removing tissue within joints, e.g., synovial tissue, meniscus, articular cartilage and the like. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100191283 | KNOTLESS SUTURE ANCHORING DEVICE HAVING DEFORMING SECTION TO ACCOMMODATE SUTURES OF VARIOUS DIAMETERS - An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. The suturing material between the soft tissue and the bone anchor may be secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suture around a suture return member or path within the bone anchor, tightening the suture and attached soft tissue, and compressing the suture against the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be a tubular body having a lumen with a locking plug that compresses the suture therein. One of the components of the locking structure may include a deformable or flexible section, member, or surface. The locking plug may include a shaft and an enlarged head that interferes with the tubular body to provide a positive stop. An actuation rod attached at a frangible section to the shaft may be manipulated by an external handle during locking of the suture within the bone anchor. The bone anchor further may include locking structure for securing itself within a bone cavity. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100160921 | CANCELLOUS BONE DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A bone displacement assembly for use during a medical procedure including preparing soft bone includes a cannula and a probe that is removably inserted into the cannula. The probe includes a curved tip designed to mechanically displace soft bone and to prepare the bone tissue for subsequent treatment such as cement injection. The probe also includes a handle assembly that connects with the cannula and also includes one control device for independently rotating the distal tip and a second control device to independently translate the distal tip. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100152726 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM WITH SELECTIVE CONTROL OF ACTIVE AND RETURN ELECTRODES - Electrosurgical system with selective control of active and return electrodes. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an electrosurgical wand and an electrosurgical controller. The wand comprises a non-conductive outer surface, at least three electrodes disposed on a distal end of the wand, and at least three electrical leads extending from a proximal end of the wand (one electrical lead electrically coupled to each electrode). The controller comprises a voltage generator and a control circuit coupled between the voltage generator and the electrodes of the wand. The control circuit is configured to: selectively electrically couple the active terminal singly and in combination to the electrodes of the wand; and selectively electrically couple the return terminal singly and in combination to electrodes of the wand. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100152724 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIMITING JOINT TEMPERATURE - Joint temperature monitoring and control systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and/or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. The controller coupled to the probe can also be configured to set temperature limits and treatment times as well as moderating joint temperature by altering the electrically conductive fluid flow. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100114110 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC ACCESS ASSEMBLY - A surgical access system for managing the minimally invasive access of treatment electrodes to an intervertebral disc, when treating spine abnormalities such as disc herniations. The system includes an access port and a cannula assembly. The access port provides atraumatic access to the target area for the cannula system and a subsequent treatment electrode. The access port also manages the insertion travel and penetration depth of the cannula assembly, so as to minimize unintended damage to local tissue during use. The cannula system includes an adjustable and removable stop to mate with the access port that limits the extension of the cannula beyond the distal tip of the access port and into the target tissue. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100087812 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STERILIZING CHRONIC WOUND TISSUE - An electrosurgical method for sterilizing chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in proximity to the chronic wound tissue; delivering an electrically conductive fluid proximate the active electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of the electrically conductive liquid sufficient to generate an ionized vapor layer at the active electrode, wherein the ionized vapor layer sterilizes at least a portion of the chronic wound tissue. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20090222041 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ATTACHING CONNECTIVE TISSUES TO BONE USING A KNOTLESS SUTURE ANCHORING DEVICE - A device for attaching connective tissue to bone has a longitudinal axis and comprises an annular toggle member and a body member disposed distally of the toggle member, such that there is an axial space between the toggle member and the body member. The toggle member is movable between an undeployed position wherein the toggle member has a smaller profile in a direction transverse to the axis and a deployed position wherein the toggle member has a larger profile in the direction transverse to the axis. When installed in a desired procedural site, in suitable bone, suturing material extends axially through a center aperture in the annular toggle member, without being secured to or contacting the toggle member. This approach permits a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and which further permit the attachment of suture to the bone anchor without the necessity for tying knots, which is particularly arduous and technically demanding in the case of arthroscopic procedures. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222040 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ATTACHING CONNECTIVE TISSUES TO BONE USING A KNOTLESS SUTURE ANCHORING DEVICE - A device for attaching connective tissue to bone has a longitudinal axis and comprises an annular toggle member and a body member disposed distally of the toggle member, such that there is an axial space between the toggle member and the body member. The toggle member is movable between an undeployed position wherein the toggle member has a smaller profile in a direction transverse to the axis and a deployed position wherein the toggle member has a larger profile in the direction transverse to the axis. When installed in a desired procedural site, in suitable bone, suturing material extends axially through a center aperture in the annular toggle member, without being secured to or contacting the toggle member. This approach permits a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and which further permit the attachment of suture to the bone anchor without the necessity for tying knots, which is particularly arduous and technically demanding in the case of arthroscopic procedures. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222004 | ELECTROSURGICAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING FOOT ULCER - An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090216227 | ELECTROSURGICAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING FOOT ULCER - An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216226 | ELECTROSURGICAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING FOOT ULCER - An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216224 | ELECTROSURGICAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING FOOT ULCER - An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216223 | ELECTROSURGICAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING FOOT ULCER - An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216222 | ELECTROSURGICAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING FOOT ULCER - An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090209958 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING CHRONIC WOUND TISSUE - An electrosurgical method for treating chronic wound tissue, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the chronic wound, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode sufficient to develop a high electric field intensity associated with a vapor layer proximate the active electrode and in close proximity to the wound tissue; and stimulating an expression of at least one healing mediator. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090120819 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING OF MEDICAL DEVICES INCLUDING SHAPE MEMORY MATERIALS - Methods and systems are described for packaging medical devices. Packages are described for constraining expansion of medical devices along at least one axis. Removal devices for removing the medical devices from the packages are described. Medical devices stored in and removed from packages can include shape memory materials (e.g., polymers, alloys) which can cause the medical device to expand due to activation of the shape memory material. Medical devices can also expand due to other reasons, such as elastic recoil and/or thermal expansion. The methods and systems described herein may be used to limit the expansion of a medical device along at least one axis while inside a package. The methods and systems described herein may be used to relieve some of the stored strain in the medical device upon the opening of the package. Methods and systems are also described for opening a package which is subject to expansive forces from the medical device. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090069807 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTROSURGICAL CUTTING AND ABLATION - An electrosurgical probe ( | 03-12-2009 |
| 20080243117 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROSURGICAL PREVENTION OF DISC HERNIATIONS - The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080234673 | MULTI-ELECTRODE INSTRUMENTS - Multi-electrode instruments and methods for applying electrical energy to the multiple electrodes are described. An assembly having at least two electrodes may be configured such that the electrodes are positioned at an angle relative to one another and/or are each configured to treat different tissue types. Moreover, power may be applied to one, some, or all of the electrodes utilizing various switching systems and/or electrical monitoring systems. | 09-25-2008 |
