Limited heat transfer devices and methods to shrink tissues
US6236891A · kind A · utility
120Cited by
38References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1861
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Rather than relying on a surgeon's ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of pelvic support tissues, probes generally limit heating so that only sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from a surface of the probe into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.