METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING BLOOD FLOW TO THE HIP JOINT

摘要

Devices, systems and methods for performing arthroscopic evaluations and procedures in and near the hip joint are provided. An arthroscopic probe having a Doppler probe disposed on a movable tip portion is useful for determining blood flow and for identifying vascular structures. An arthroscopic probe having a Doppler probe and a radiofrequency (RF) source disposed on a movable tip portion provides further useful features including the ability to perform cauterization, tissue ablation, and other RF procedures. The devices, systems, and methods are effective to assist an operating surgeon in the assessment of femoral head blood supply before, during, and after procedures involving the hip joint and optionally to provide for RF procedures in concert with such assessments of blood flow. The devices, systems, and methods of the present invention aid in arthroscopic procedures, and are useful in reducing the risk of iatrogenic hip joint avascular necrosis (AVN).