Title: Method and apparatus for cartilage reshaping by radiofrequency heating

Abstract

A method and apparatus for reshaping cartilage using radiofrequency heating. The cartilage temperature is raised sufficiently for stress relaxation to occur in the cartilage, but low enough so that significant denaturation of the cartilage does not occur. The RF electrodes may be designed to also function as molds, preses, clamps, or mandrills to deform the cartilage tissue. Changes in various properties of the cartilage associated with stress relaxation in the cartilage may be measured in order to provide the control signal to provide effective reshaping without denaturation.

Inventors:

Wong, Brian J.; Milner, Thomas E.; Sobol, Emil N.; Keefe, Michael W.

Issue Date:

2003-07-08

Research Org.:

Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States); The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Austin, TX (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1174390

Patent Number(s):

6589235

Application Number:

09/770,799

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California (Oakland, CA); The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System (Austin, TX)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

A - HUMAN NECESSITIES A61 - MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE A61B - DIAGNOSIS

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A - HUMAN NECESSITIES A61 - MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE A61B - DIAGNOSIS

A61B5/4514 - {Cartilage}
A61B2018/00791 - {Temperature}
A61B2018/00875 - {Resistance or impedance}
A61B18/14 - Probes or electrodes therefor

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DOE Contract Number:  

95-3800459

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING