FDA expands use for ArthoCare's RF (radiofrequency) tools:

ArthroCare has received US FDA marketing clearance to expand the use of its radiofrequency (RF) arthroscopic surgical devices. The Sunnyvale, California firm has gained the go-ahead to use its Coblation-based disposable surgical devices in over 40 specific arthroscopic indications in the knee, shoulder, wrist, ankle, elbow and hip. The expanded clearance covers around 160 orthopaedic procedures and represents the broadest array of specific indications approved for any company marketing RF surgical equipment for arthroscopic and orthopaedic applications, the company claims. The devices were previously cleared for soft tissue resection, ablation, coagulation and haemostasis in general arthroscopic and orthopaedic procedures.