Patents by Inventor David C. Hovda
David C. Hovda has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8801705Abstract: A method for treating a bone body comprises inserting a probe having at least one active electrode into the target tissue and applying a voltage difference between an active electrode and return electrode to ablate the tissue. The method is particularly directed to removing tumors in a bone body and or removing cancellous bone in a bone body. The bone body may be a vertebral body. An apparatus includes a plurality of active electrodes and a distal section including two bends. The bends serve to prevent the active electrodes from impinging upon the shaft of an introducer needle. Also, a kit includes an electrosurgical probe, an electrosurgical generator, an introducer needle, and a fluid connector to connect the introducer needle to a fluid source such that liquid may be supplied to the target site during an application.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Norman R. Sanders, Darren Crawford, Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda
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Patent number: 7951141Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Brian E. Martini, Maria B. Ellsberry
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Publication number: 20100324553Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Brian E. Martini, Maria B. Ellsberry
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Patent number: 7794456Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Brian E. Martini, Maria B. Ellsberry
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Publication number: 20100204693Abstract: A method for treating a bone body comprises inserting a probe having at least one active electrode into the target tissue and applying a voltage difference between an active electrode and return electrode to ablate the tissue. The method is particularly directed to removing tumors in a bone body and or removing cancellous bone in a bone body. The bone body may be a vertebral body. An apparatus includes a plurality of active electrodes and a distal section including two bends. The bends serve to prevent the active electrodes from impinging upon the shaft of an introducer needle. Also, a kit includes an electrosurgical probe, an electrosurgical generator, an introducer needle, and a fluid connector to connect the introducer needle to a fluid source such that liquid may be supplied to the target site during an application.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Norman R. Sanders, Darren Crawford, Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda
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Patent number: 7708733Abstract: A method for treating a bone body comprises inserting a probe having at least one active electrode into the target tissue and applying a voltage difference between an active electrode and return electrode to ablate the tissue. The method is particularly directed to removing tumors in a bone body and or removing cancellous bone in a bone body. The bone body may be a vertebral body. An apparatus includes a plurality of active electrodes and a distal section including two bends. The bends serve to prevent the active electrodes from impinging upon the shaft of an introducer needle. Also, a kit includes an electrosurgical probe, an electrosurgical generator, an introducer needle, and a fluid connector to connect the introducer needle to a fluid source such that liquid may be supplied to the target site during an application.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Norman R. Sanders, Darren Crawford, Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda
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Patent number: 7462178Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. In a method of the invention high frequency (RF) electrical energy is applied to one or more active electrodes on an electrosurgical probe in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue targeted for treatment. In one aspect, a dura mater and spinal cord are insulated from the electrical energy by an insulator positioned on a non-active side of the probe. In another aspect, a plasma is aggressively formed in the electrically conductive fluid by delivering a conductive fluid to a distal end portion of the probe and aspirating the fluid from a location proximal of the return electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: 7442191Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. In one aspect, a method is provided for reducing the volume of enlarge swollen tissue in the patient's nose, such as swollen nasal tissue, mucus membranes, turbinates, polyps, neoplasms, cartilage (e.g., the nasal septum) or the like. In particular, the turbinates are treated by positioning one or more electrode terminal(s) adjacent to the turbinates, and delivering electrically conductive fluid, such as isotonic saline, to the nasal cavity to substantially surround the electrode terminal(s) with the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers, Maria B. Ellsberry
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Publication number: 20080243117Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Brian E. Martini, Maria B. Ellsberry
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Patent number: 7393351Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an inter-vertebral disc by ablation, coagulation, shrinking, stiffening, or other treatment of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the inter-vertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. An apparatus of the invention includes an electrosurgical probe, an introducer needle adapted for passing the distal end of the probe therethrough, and a positioning unit for monitoring a position of the probe in relation to the introducer needle.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Theodore C. Ormsby, Maria Ellsberry, David C. Hovda
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Patent number: 7387625Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating a target tissue by delivering a fluid at a defined temperature to a patient's body. An apparatus of the invention includes a fluid delivery unit for delivering fluid in at least close proximity to the target tissue, an aspiration unit for withdrawing the fluid, and a fluid source unit for providing the fluid at the defined temperature. A method of the invention includes forming a void in at least close proximity to the target tissue, and circulating a preheated fluid through the void, wherein the target tissue undergoes adjustment from body temperature to a treatment temperature due to heat exchange between the fluid and the target tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko
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Patent number: 7357798Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Brian Martini, Maria Ellsberry
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Patent number: 7318823Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: 7270658Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. In a method of the invention high frequency (RF) electrical energy is applied to one or more active electrodes on an electrosurgical probe in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue targeted for treatment. In one aspect, a dura mater and spinal cord are insulated from the electrical energy by an insulator positioned on a non-active side of the probe. In another aspect, a plasma is aggressively formed in the electrically conductive fluid by delivering a conductive fluid to a distal end portion of the probe and aspirating the fluid from a location proximal of the return electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: 7270659Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for treating spinal tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery to relieve symptoms, such as neck or back pain. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the controlled heating of various tissues in or around the vertebral column, including various interspinous tissues, such that spinal ligaments and cartilage surrounding the vertebrae and the facet joints are shrunk or tightened to stabilize the vertebral column of a patient. Thermal energy is applied to the target tissue in a subablation mode of an electrosurgical system to cause shrinkage of the tissue, thereby stiffening the interspinous tissue and stabilizing the vertebral column. In an exemplary embodiment, a high frequency RF voltage can be applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to heat a target interspinous tissue to within a temperature range at which irreversible shrinkage of the tissue occurs.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Olivier Ricart, Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: 7179255Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: John J. Lettice, Thomas Kula, Jr., David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko
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Patent number: 7131969Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to remove and/or modify the structure of tissue structures. The present invention is particularly useful for treating sleep obstructive disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Arthrocare CorpInventors: David C. Hovda, Maria B. Ellsberry, Philip E. Eggers, Hira V. Thapliyal
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Patent number: 7104986Abstract: 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 to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for removing a vertebral disc in preparation for implanting a prosthetic disc or removing a portion of the vertebral disc such as the nucleus pulposus in preparation for placing a prosthetic nucleus within the annulus of the disc. The present invention also teaches shrinking residual tissue in preparation for placing the implants.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Brian Martini, Zsuzsi Conforti, Jean Woloszko
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Patent number: 6896674Abstract: Methods and apparatus for resecting and ablating tissue at a target site of a patient, the apparatus including a probe having an elongate shaft. The shaft includes a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion, and a resection unit located at the shaft distal end portion. The resection unit includes a resection electrode support and at least one resection electrode arranged on the resection electrode support. The at least one resection electrode includes a resection electrode head. The probe and resection electrode head are adapted for concurrent electrical ablation and mechanical resection of target tissue. The shaft may include at least one digestion electrode capable of aggressively ablating resected tissue fragments. At least one fluid delivery port on the shaft distal end portion may provide an electrically conductive fluid to the resection unit or to the target site.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Arthrocare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Terry S. Davison, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: RE40156Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers