(19)
(11) EP 1 187 570 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication:
20.03.2002 Bulletin 2002/12

(21) Application number: 00936062.9

(22) Date of filing: 17.05.2000
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7A61B 18/14
(86) International application number:
PCT/US0013/706
(87) International publication number:
WO 0071/043 (30.11.2000 Gazette 2000/48)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 21.05.1999 US 316472
12.05.2000 US 204206 P

(71) Applicant: ARTHROCARE CORPORATION
Sunnyvale,California 94086 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • HOVDA, David, C.
    Mountain View, CA 94040 (US)
  • ELLSBERRY, Maria, B.
    Fremont, CA 94539 (US)
  • THAPLIYAL, Hira, V.
    Los Altos, CA 94024 (US)
  • EGGERS, Philip, E.
    Dublin, OH 43017 (US)

(74) Representative: Kazi, Ilya 
Mathys & Squire,100 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8AL
London WC1X 8AL (GB)

   


(54) SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROSURGICAL TREATMENT OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS