Oratec

Oratec Interventions was a medical device company that pioneered the use of thermal energy for treating orthopedic and spinal conditions. The company developed the Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) procedure, which used the SpineCATH system to apply controlled heat to spinal discs to treat chronic discogenic low back pain. Additionally, its Vulcan system was widely used in arthroscopic surgery to shrink and tighten joint capsules and ligaments through the thermal modification of collagen. Oratec's technology focused on minimally invasive solutions to improve structural integrity and reduce pain in musculoskeletal tissues. The company was acquired by Smith & Nephew in 2002 to strengthen their endoscopy and sports medicine portfolio.