ArthroCare Corporation

ArthroCare Corporation was a medical device company founded in 1993, initially based in Sunnyvale, California, and later headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company specialized in Coblation technology, a radiofrequency-based system designed for minimally invasive soft tissue ablation and repair. ArthroCare focused on underserved markets, particularly in arthroscopy, and developed its first commercial Coblation products by 1995. The company manufactured and marketed a range of surgical products across various fields, including orthopedics, sports medicine, ENT, spine, and wound care. Their offerings included disposable Coblation wands for treating injuries in multiple joints, soft-tissue fixation devices, and specialized tools for ENT procedures. In spine care, they provided devices for soft tissue treatment and solutions for herniated discs. ArthroCare's innovative Coblation technology allowed for precise tissue removal with minimal thermal damage, enhancing the effectiveness of minimally invasive procedures. The company was acquired by Smith & Nephew, Inc. in 2014 and continued to operate as a subsidiary.