Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Described herein are interlocking surgical tools (e.g., trocars, cannula, etc.) that form a composite surgical device having a handle and a finger grip region that are separate, when the component portions are interlocked. In particular, these tools are configured so that the separate handle and finger grip regions are perpendicular to each other. This arrangement may provide benefits in manipulating these devices.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and systems for transdiscal fusion of vertebrae and methods for fusing adjacent vertebra. A system may include a device with two anchorable members connectable by an intervening connector forming a continuous passageway therethrough. An anchorable member may have a constrained non-anchoring configuration and a released anchoring configuration. The anchoring configuration typically includes a radially-expanded structure such as a plurality of struts. After positioning the anchorable members into two adjacent vertebral bodies, the anchorable members may be released from their constrained configuration so that they radially self-expand, anchoring the device across the fracture. A flowable bone-filling material may be conveyed into the passageway of the device after implantation, stabilizing it further in the vertebral implantation site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for stabilizing a bone fracture and methods for applying the system. The system includes a device with two anchorable members with an intervening connector and a passageway through the device. The anchorable members have a constrained non-anchoring configuration and a released anchoring configuration. The anchoring configuration includes a radially-expanded structure such as a plurality of struts. After implantation across a fracture site, the anchorable members are released from their linearly constrained configuration, and structural features radially self-expand, anchoring the device across the fracture. A flowable bone-filling material may be conveyed into the passageway of the device after implantation. The composition fills the space within the expanded structures of the anchorable members and flows into space surround the device, stabilizing it further in the implantation site.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.