Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction

Abstract

A surgical system and the associated methods for use in Minimally Invasive Surgical procedures for use in the short- and long-term termination of signals through nerves. Such a procedure is an improvement over the current state-of-the-art because of the use of a tightly coupled single-needle bi-polar probe. The proximity of both electrodes, to the nerve or tissue targeted for the treatment, is such that it reduces the losses experienced with external electrodes (e.g. plates or probes). Further, the probe has features associated with locating the probe and dispensing or sampling far above the probes currently available. The resulting improvements provide a quantum leap in technology for the associated medical industries and a base line for these procedures in the future.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a method and device used in the field of Minimally Invasive Surgery (or MIS) for interrupting the flow of signals through nerves. These nerves may be rendered incapable of transmitting signals either on a temporarily (hours, days or weeks) or a permanent (months or years) basis. This new device itself consists of a single puncture system, which incorporates both an active and return electrode capable of creating areas of nerve destruction, inhibition and ablation; a generator for precisely delivering RF energy, and the method necessary for properly locating the active tip and generating energy to ablate target nerves. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The human nervous system is used to send and receive signals. The pathway taken by the nerve signals convey sensory information such as pain, heat, cold and touch and command signals which cause movement (e.g. muscle contractions). [0003] Often extraneous, undesired, or abnorm...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0030] Integrated dielectric insulator as fiber optic for illumination, thus reducing diameter;

[0047] Another aspect of the invention is a probe usage register to reduce or eliminate chance of patient cross contamination.

[0048] This invention is an improved device (and method for its use) that will allow the physician to terminate signal flow through nerves, in a minimally invasive manner, by requiring only a single-needle type puncture. Said method and device would allow for a reduced patient recovery time; the patient would be awake during the procedure; using only a local (or very little) anesthetic; have a substantially reduced risk of infection; less of a risk of intensive care (or hospital stay), and subsequently, a reduced associated costs. Inasmuch, the patient would more rapidly return to a normal lifestyle as compared to many procedures requiring open surgery.

[0049] This single-puncture device (hereafter called ‘single-pass’) presents an improvement over conventional uni-polar systems because it does not require a separate return electrode, which is attached to the patient at a remote site and subsequently must be maintained during the surgical procedure. Also, it represents an improvement over bi-polar electrodes and earlier two needle systems, because it concentrates the energy specifically at the desired location (by use of one active electrode) and when ablation areas need to be precisely focused this device may best accomplish that task.

Problems solved by technology

Often extraneous, undesired, or abnormal signals are generated (or are transmitted).

Also with certain diseases the lining of the nerves is compromised, or signals are spontaneously generated, which can cause a variety of maladies, from seizures to pain or (in extreme conditions) even death.

Abnormal signal activations can cause many other problems including (but not limited to) twitching, tics, seizures, distortions, cramps, disabilities (in addition to pain), other undesirable conditions, or other painful, abnormal, undesirable, socially or physically detrimental afflictions.

In other situations, the normal conduction of nerve signals can cause undesirable effects.

For example in cosmetic applications the activation of the corrugator supercilli muscle causes frown lines which may result in permanent distortion of the brow (or forehead); giving the appearance of premature aging.

The disadvantage of the system is that the return electrode must be properly placed and in contact throughout the procedure.

If the contact with the patient is reduced or if the jelly dries out, a high-current density area would result, increasing the probability for burns at the contact point.

The disadvantage of the conventional bipolar system is that the target tissue must be properly located and isolated between these surfaces.

This abnormal signal flow results in excessive, and potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias.

These techniques described are highly invasive and sometimes temporary as nerves regenerate over time and repeat or alternative procedures are required.

While minimally invasive, this technique is predictably transient; so, it must be re-done every few months.

These systems were unable to produce permanent results (i.e. greater than a few months) because of limitations in the energy and their polar configurations and like with Botox, would have required periodic repeat procedures.

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