Abstract: A device is described that may be positioned at a location in an intervertebral disc for diagnosis or treatment of the disc. Treatment may include, for example, applying energy or removing material, and may decrease intradiscal pressure. Radiofrequency energy may be applied. A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus comprises placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element.

Abstract: An interverterbral fissure can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element. The next step is applying a force longitudinally to the proximal of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. Next the functional element is positioned at a selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter. Then the functional unit treats the annular fissure. Optionally, there is an additional step of adding a substance to seal the fissure.

Abstract: A device is described that may be positioned at a location in an intervertebral disc for diagnosis or treatment of the disc. Treatment may include, for example, applying energy or removing material, and may decrease intradiscal pressure. Radiofrequency energy may be applied. A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus comprises placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element.

Abstract: A device is described that may be positioned at a location in an intervertebral disc for diagnosis or treatment of the disc. Treatment may include, for example, applying energy or removing material, and may decrease intradiscal pressure. Radiofrequency energy may be applied. A percutaneous method of repairing a fissure in the annulus pulposus comprises placing an energy source adjacent to the fissure and providing sufficient energy to the fissure to raise the temperature to at least about 45-70° C. and for a sufficient time to cause the collagen to weld. An intervertebral fissure also can be treated by placing a catheter with a lumen adjacent to the fissure and injecting sealant into the fissure via the catheter, thereby sealing the fissure. An intervertebral fissure additionally can be treated by providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and an intradiscal section at the catheter's distal end on which there is at least one functional element.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc device is provided comprising a probe capable of being extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, the probe forming a loop when extended from the distal end of the introducer, the loop having first and second proximal ends external to the introducer which are brought together adjacent the introducer distal end to form the loop by the proximal ends being either attached to or entering the distal end of the introducer; and a proximal handle for externally causing the probe to be extended from the distal end of the introducer and externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc device is provided comprising a probe capable of being extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, the probe forming a loop when extended from the distal end of the introducer, the loop having first and second proximal ends external to the introducer which are brought together adjacent the introducer distal end to form the loop by the proximal ends being either attached to or entering the distal end of the introducer; and a proximal handle for externally causing the probe to be extended from the distal end of the introducer and externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc device is provided comprising a probe capable of being extended from a distal end of an introducer that is percutaneously delivered into an interior of an intervertebral disc, the probe forming a loop when extended from the distal end of the introducer, the loop having first and second proximal ends external to the introducer which are brought together adjacent the introducer distal end to form the loop by the proximal ends being either attached to or entering the distal end of the introducer; and a proximal handle for externally causing the probe to be extended from the distal end of the introducer and externally guiding the probe within an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An improved system and method for ablating a tissue site is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises an ablation catheter employing one or more electrodes and multiple temperature sensors located along the catheter distal end. The temperature sensors control the power applied to the one or more electrodes. A deflection mechanism may be included to provide directional control to the catheter.

Abstract: An externally guidable intervertebral disc apparatus manipulates disc tissue at a selected location of an intervertebral disc. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis. The catheter has an intradiscal section at its distal end. The intradiscal section is extendible into the disc, has sufficient rigidity to be advanceable through the nucleus pulposus and around the annulus fibrosus of the disc under a force applied longitudinally to the proximal end, has sufficient flexibility in a direction of the disc plane to be compliant with the inner wall, and has insufficient penetration ability to be advanceable out through the annulus fibrosus under the applied force. A thermal energy delivery device is located in the intradiscal section for preferentially heating the selected location of the disc. The apparatus is used to locally and controllably heat but not char or burn tissue in a disc. Such heat shrinks the collagen component.

Abstract: A catheter ablation system including a catheter having a distal segment carrying at least one electrode extending along the segment and having a number of temperature sensors arranged along the distal segment adjacent the electrode, each providing an output indicative of temperature. The catheter is coupled to a power source which provides R-F energy to the electrode and with temperature processing circuitry coupled to the temperature sensors and the power source which controls power output from the power source as a function of the outputs of the temperature sensors. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature processing circuitry includes circuitry for comparing the temperature indicated by the temperature sensors to a known reference sensor and circuitry for disabling subsequent use of an output of one of the sensors if the output from the sensor differs from the referenced temperature by more than a defined value.

Abstract: A deflectable ablation catheter which includes an elongated catheter body with an electrode located along a distal section of the catheter body. The catheter is provided with a deflection wire coupled to the distal end of the catheter body which on longitudinal movement causes deflection of the distal section of the catheter body into a planar curve, and a core wire coupled to a point proximal to the distal section of the catheter body and coupled to the catheter body so that upon application of torque to the wire, the planar curve formed along the distal section is rotated into a second plane. A handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter and carries controls coupled to the core wire and the deflection wire.