Noninvasive devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of tissues
US6035238A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N7/02
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenated tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy gently heats fascia and other collagenated support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces. Such cooled plate electrodes are capable of directing electrical energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia while the cooled electrode surface prevents injury to the intermediate tissue. Ideally, the plate electrode comprises an electrode array including discrete electrode surface segments so that the current flux can be varied to selectively target the fascia.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.