ABLATOR FOR SPINAL DISC REMOVAL

摘要

An ablator system includes a tool for insertion into a patient to ablate tissue. A system also includes a control unit and a pump system. A tool is adapted to receive RF energy from a control unit and ablate tissue between an electrode embedded in the tool and a return element. A control unit measures impedance between the electrode and return element and can disable the RF energy supply if the impedance is outside of an acceptable threshold value range. A tool has at least one port through which irrigation and suction are supplied by the pump system to remove debris. A tool houses a scope in an internal channel to provide visual feedback of the surgical site. A system therefore provides a tool that is visually guided to a surgical site, ablates tissue while utilizing active safety measures, and provides irrigation and suction to clear debris from the surgical site.

主权项

1. A method of ablating tissue in a spinal disc comprising:
maneuvering an ablator tool into a spinal disc based upon visual feedback provided by said ablator tool; transferring energy from a first electrode, through spinal tissue, and into a return element, whereby said spinal tissue is ablated by said energy transfer; providing irrigation through said ablator tool; and suctioning said irrigation fluid through said ablator tool.