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: An apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus eliminates the use of various improvised support structures stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while on the operating table in a prone position.

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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position (lying facedown) for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus also eliminates the use of various improvised support structures (such as pillows, bedding, rolls, padding) stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while in a prone position on the operating table.

Abstract: A patient transfer system for transferring a patient to an operating table in a prone position (lying facedown) from a supine position (lying on the back—facing up), and vice versa, is described. Integrated within a portion of the patient transfer system is an apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus eliminates the use of various improvised support structures stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while on the operating table in a prone position.

Abstract: An apparatus that transforms the surface of a commonly used operating table into a dedicated platform configured to support a patient in a prone position (lying facedown) for back surgery or other medical procedures. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on top of the surface of an operating table and support members attached to the frame, configured to support the patient in a prone position. Thus, the apparatus converts commonly used operating tables into a dedicated back surgery. The apparatus also eliminates the use of various improvised support structures (such as pillows, bedding, rolls, padding) stuffed underneath the patient to provide support while in a prone position on the operating table.

Abstract: A patient transfer system for transferring a patient to an operating table in a prone position from a supine position, and vice versa. The patient transfer system includes a chassis, a platen, and restraint/support system. The chassis has wheels secured thereto for movement of the chassis across a floor. The platen is coupled to the chassis and is rotatable about an axis. The platen is adapted to receive a patient in a supine position and rotate the patient to a prone position, and vice versa. The restraint/support system is adapted to hold the patient stationary on the platen while the patient is rotated from the supine position to the prone position, and vice versa. The restraint/support system also provides support to the head, torso, and legs of the patient when the patient is deposited on the operating table in a prone position.

Abstract: A patient transfer system for transferring a patient to an operating table in a prone position from a supine position, and vice versa. The patient transfer system includes a chassis, a platen, and restraint/support system. The chassis has wheels secured thereto for movement of the chassis across a floor. The platen is coupled to the chassis and is rotatable about an axis. The platen is adapted to receive a patient in a supine position and rotate the patient to a prone position, and vice versa. The restraint/support system is adapted to hold the patient stationary on the platen while the patient is rotated from the supine position to the prone position, and vice versa. The restraint/support system also provides support to the head, torso, and legs of the patient when the patient is deposited on the operating table in a prone position.

Abstract: A system for transporting and positioning a patient onto an operating room table from a movable transportation device, e.g., a stretcher, to be located immediately laterally of the operating room table and transporting back onto the movable transportation device after the surgery. The system basically comprises a first and second inflatable assemblies to effect the pivoting of the patient about a longitudinal axis extending between the table and stretcher from a supine position on the stretcher to a horizontal prone position on the table. A third inflatable assembly causes the patient's spine to be in an arcuate orientation suitable for spinal surgery.

Abstract: A system for transporting and positioning a patient onto an operating room table from a movable transportation device, e.g., a stretcher, to be located immediately laterally of the operating room table and transporting back onto the movable transportation device after the surgery. The system basically comprises a first and second inflatable assemblies to effect the pivoting of the patient about a longitudinal axis extending between the table and stretcher from a supine position on the stretcher to a horizontal prone position on the table. A third inflatable assembly causes the patient's spine to be in an arcuate orientation suitable for spinal surgery.

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: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A bubble-type shower door adapted to be pivotally mounted symmetrically about its vertical center axis to open and close a shower door opening of the same contour, the door being concave rearward and preferably having a rearward projecting diverging rim portion, and a stop flange projecting laterally from the rim on one side of the door.

Abstract: 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.