The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively
applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body,
particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies
high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals
in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to contract collagen
fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a
system and method is provided for treating herniated or swollen discs
within a patient's spine by applying sufficient electrical energy to the
disc tissue to contract or shrink the collagen fibers within the nucleus
pulposis. This causes the pulposis to shrink and withdraw from its
impingement on the spinal nerve.