Apparatus and Method for Treatment of an Intervertebral Disc

Abstract

An elongated probe member is disclosed. The elongated probe member comprises proximal and distal ends, an outer wall, and a guidable region. The elongated probe member includes an internal lumen and a longitudinal axis defined therethrough. The guidable region is adjacent the distal end of the elongated probe member. The guidable region includes a plurality of undulating grooves.

1 . An elongated probe member, comprising:
 proximal and distal ends and an outer wall, the elongated probe member including an internal lumen and a longitudinal axis defined therethrough; and   a guidable region adjacent the distal end, the guidable region including a plurality of undulating grooves.   
     
     
         2 . The elongated probe member according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of undulating grooves extends at least partially longitudinally relative to the longitudinal axis from an originating point. 
     
     
         3 . The elongated probe member according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of undulating grooves includes an origin and a terminus separated by a relative to from each other. 
     
     
         4 . The elongated probe member according to  claim 3 , wherein the origin and the terminus are substantially at the same longitudinal position along the length of the guidable region. 
     
     
         5 . The elongated probe member according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the undulating grooves defines a sinusoidal configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The elongated probe member according to  claim 1 , wherein the guidable region includes a longitudinally extending backbone, the backbone being devoid of the undulating grooves and being dimensioned to resist bending of the guidable region normally relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . The elongated probe member according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of undulating grooves define a non-linear path along the outer wall in communication with the internal lumen. 
     
     
         8 . The elongated probe member according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of undulating grooves is dimensioned to facilitate bending of the guidable region in at least one of a plurality of radial directions relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         9 . The elongated probe member according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated probe member is adapted for connection to a thermal energy source that provides thermal energy to tissue.