Abstract: 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:
Grant
Filed:
August 18, 1998
Date of Patent:
July 11, 2000
Assignee:
ArthroCare Corporation
Inventors:
David C. Hovda, Maria B. Ellsberry, Philip E. Eggers, Hira V. Thapliyal