Denervation methods

Abstract

System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a radial opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curveable cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curveable cannula comprising a curveable distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the radial opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curveable cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of denervating a basivertebral nerve, comprising:
 identifying a target treatment zone within an inner cancellous bone region of a vertebral body;   inserting a probe having an electrode through an outer cortical bone region of the vertebral body and into the inner cancellous bone region of the vertebral body to the target treatment zone, and   causing energy to be delivered by the probe to the target treatment zone sufficient to denervate a basivertebral nerve within the target treatment zone,   wherein the target treatment zone is located in a region that is located between 60% and 90% of the distance between the anterior and posterior ends of the vertebral body.