Devices, methods, and systems for shrinking tissues
US6091995A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1467
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally rely on energy delivered to a patient's own pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. The energy will preferably be applied to the endopelvic fascia and/or an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. The invention provides a variety of devices and methods for applying gentle resistive heating of these and other tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. Alternatively, heat-applying probes are configured to heat tissue structures which comprise or support a patient's urethra. By applying sufficient energy over a predetermined time, the tissue can be raised to a temperature which results in contraction without significant necrosis or other tissue damage. By selectively contracting the support tissues, the bladder neck, sphincter, and other components of the urinary tract responsible for the control of urinary flow can be reconfigured or supported in a manner which reduces urinary leakage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.