Multiple electrode radiofrequency generator

Abstract

A method and apparatus for application of an electrical signal to neural and other target tissue in the living body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A apparatus for performing tissue modification procedures on a patient's body, comprising:
 a device adapted for connection to at least two electrodes, wherein temperature sensors are incorporated into tip portions of said electrodes;   a high frequency generator operatively associated with said device, wherein said generator can deliver non-simultaneously a high frequency signal output to each of said electrodes; and   a feedback control circuit configured to regulate the signal output delivery to each said of said electrodes so as to maintain a user settable temperature at tip portion of said electrodes when the electrodes are in contact with the patient's body.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said electrodes are at least partially electrically insulated over at least part of a shaft of said electrode. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface which allows the user to set to the desired temperature of each or all electrodes. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the said high frequency energy source is also capable of delivering low frequency (1-1000 Hz) stimulation pulses. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the said user interface further comprises at least one display configured to display graphic representation of the temperature of each electrode tip, and/or time versus temperature of each of the said electrodes. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein said user interface can also display EMG and/or EEG signals that are recorded from each of said electrodes. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the user interface can also deliver audible representations of the EMG and/or EEG signals. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the user interface can also record and display user selectable sensory stimulation thresholds for each of the said electrodes. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the generator can deliver programmatically the high frequency signal output to each of said electrodes. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the generator can deliver sequentially the high frequency signal output to each of said electrodes.