Noninvasive devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of tissues
US6216704A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2018 |
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 collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. Pre-cooling and/or pre-heating may induce a temperature difference between the target tissue and the intermediate tissue prior to initiating RF heating. This allows the dimensions of tissue reaching the treatment temperature to be controlled and/or minimized, the dimensions of protected intermediate tissue to be maximized, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.