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: 6772012Abstract: 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: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Olivier Ricart, Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Publication number: 20040127893Abstract: Methods and systems for treating intervertebral discs and other difficult to access sites are provided. The methods include accessing the intervertebral disc with a small gauge access device and viewing a site within the disc with a fiber optic bundle delivered using the access device. The systems include a small gauge access device and a fiber optic bundle adapted to be delivered by means of the access device to a target tissue site.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventor: David C. Hovda
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Publication number: 20040116922Abstract: The systems, devices and methods described herein selectively apply electrical energy and thermal energy to structures within a patient's body, such as the intervertebral disc. The systems, devices and methods thereof are useful for shrinkage, ablation, and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular the systems, devices and methods described herein provide advantages in the treatment of disc tissue. The system, devices and methods described herein also treat a disc via a microdiscectomy which require little or no annulotomy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Brian E. Martini, Allison C. Johnson, Norman R. Sanders
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Patent number: 6726684Abstract: 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: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Publication number: 20040049180Abstract: 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: May 13, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Brian E. Martini, Maria B. Ellsberry
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Publication number: 20040024399Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Publication number: 20040024398Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Brian E. Martini, Zsuzsi Conforti, Jean Woloszko
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Patent number: 6659106Abstract: 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: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers, Maria B. Ellsberry
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Publication number: 20030212395Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Publication number: 20030208194Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers, Maria B. Ellsberry
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Publication number: 20030158545Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating back pain of a patient by denervation of an intervertebral disc or a region of the posterior longitudinal ligament by the controlled application of heat to a target tissue. In one embodiment, the invention may include a procedure combining both decompression of a disc, and denervation of the annulus fibrosus. In one embodiment, a method of the invention includes positioning an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument in at least close proximity to an intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein nervous tissue within the annulus fibrosus is inactivated, and discogenic pain of the patient is alleviated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko, Norman R. Sanders, Brian E. Martini
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Patent number: 6602248Abstract: 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: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Arthro Care Corp.Inventors: Lewis Sharps, David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Publication number: 20030130738Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for repairing defects within an intervertebral disc. The methods include accessing the intervertebral disc and placing a repair graft over a defect on the intervertebral disc.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko
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Publication number: 20030088245Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electrosurgical treatment of hydrocephalus. A method of the invention comprises electrosurgical fenestration of the floor of the third ventricle using an electrosurgical probe or catheter. The probe or catheter may be introduced via an access hole in the patient's cranium. The access hole can be formed mechanically or electrosurgically. A stoma or window in the third ventricle can be enlarged electrosurgically and/or tissue surrounding the stoma can be coagulated, in order to maintain patency of the stoma. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of establishing patency in an occluded cerebral aqueduct comprises guiding an electrosurgical catheter into the cerebral aqueduct, positioning an active electrode in at least close proximity to the occlusion, and applying an ablative voltage to the active electrode to form a channel within the cerebral aqueduct.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, David C. Hovda
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Patent number: 6544261Abstract: 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 includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within tissue structures in the mouth, such as the tonsils, tongue, palate and uvula, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure. Applicant has discovered that such stiffening of certain tissue structures in the mouth and throat helps to prevent the tissue structure from obstructing the patient's upper airway during sleep.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Maria B. Ellsberry, David C. Hovda, Jean Woloszko, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Publication number: 20030014047Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Jean Woloszko, Theodore C. Ormsby, Maria Ellsberry, David C. Hovda
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Patent number: 6482201Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within or on a patient's body. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for resecting, cutting, partially ablating, aspirating or otherwise removing tissue from a target site, and ablating the tissue in situ. The systems and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for ablation and hemostasis of tissue in sinus surgery (e.g., chronic sinusitis and/or removal of polypectomies) and for resecting and ablating soft tissue structures, such as the meniscus and synovial tissue within a joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Phillip M. Olsen, Maria B. Ellsberry, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: 6468270Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for ablation, resection, aspiration, collagen shrinkage and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular, the present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within spinal discs, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure and for reducing the volume of the disc to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. High frequency voltage is applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the disc tissue, and the active electrode(s) are advanced through the space left by the ablated tissue to form a channel, hole, divot or other space in the disc tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: ArthoCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Maria B. Ellsberry, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: 6468274Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a fissure or tear location within an invertebral disc. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more active electrodes in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to heat and seal a fissure on an annulus fibrosus. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating the fissure by applying sufficient electrical energy to the disc tissue to seal the fissure. In one embodiment, the RF energy is directed through the conductive fluid to heat the tissue immediately surrounding the fissure. The RF energy is sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the fluid in contact with the active electrode. In another embodiment, the electrical current is directed through the tissue to directly heat the annulus tissue. This causes the annulus tissue to contract and seal the fissure. In a specific configuration, a sealant is added to the fissure to enhance the seal.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Neville Alleyne, David C. Hovda, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers
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Patent number: 6464695Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for ablation, resection, aspiration, collagen shrinkage and/or hemostasis of tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery. In particular, the present invention includes a channeling technique in which small holes or channels are formed within spinal discs, and thermal energy is applied to the tissue surface immediately surrounding these holes or channels to cause thermal damage to the tissue surface, thereby stiffening the surrounding tissue structure and for reducing the volume of the disc to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves. High frequency voltage is applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the disc tissue, and the active electrode(s) are advanced through the space left by the ablated tissue to form a channel, hole, divot or other space in the disc tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David C. Hovda, Maria B. Ellsberry, Hira V. Thapliyal, Philip E. Eggers