초록 ▼

A thermal energy delivery apparatus has a probe including a distal end and a proximal end. A first electrode is positioned at the distal end of the probe such that the electrode is positioned on a recessed longitudinal portion of the probe. The first electrode is configured to deliver sufficient the

A thermal energy delivery apparatus has a probe including a distal end and a proximal end. A first electrode is positioned at the distal end of the probe such that the electrode is positioned on a recessed longitudinal portion of the probe. The first electrode is configured to deliver sufficient thermal energy to a fibrillated cartilage surface to reduce a level of fibrillation of the fibrillated cartilage surface. A cabling is coupled to the proximal end of the probe.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A thermal energy delivery apparatus comprising:a distal portion having longitudinal surfaces extending distally to a distal end, a portion of the longitudinal surfaces including a recessed portion such that the recessed portion is positionable adjacent a fibrillated carti

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A thermal energy delivery apparatus comprising:a distal portion having longitudinal surfaces extending distally to a distal end, a portion of the longitudinal surfaces including a recessed portion such that the recessed portion is positionable adjacent a fibrillated cartilage joint surface; anda electrode positioned within the recessed portion at a first depth which when the recessed portion is positioned adjacent fibrillated cartilage tissue of a joint surface is (a) less than a depth where fibrils extending from the fibrillated cartilage tissue would not be able to contact the electrode, and (b) greater than a depth where the electrode would contact the cartilage tissue underlying the fibrils.