Noninvasive devices and methods for shrinking of tissues

US6546934B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• SURx, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Frank Ingle · Palo Alto, US
• Garry L. Carter · Pleasanton, US
• Robert J. Laird · Pinole, US
• Paul Do · San Jose, US
• Brian J. Mosel · Dublin, US
• Michael D. Laufer · Menlo Park, US
• Loren L. Roy · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 30, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 15, 2003
• Expiry date: Sep 1, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N7/02
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

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. The energy can be applied intermittently, often between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces, the electrodes optionally being supported by a clamp structure. 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, particularly where the electrode surfaces are cooled before, during, and after an intermittent heating cycle.