Patent · US Expired

Ribbed electrodes and methods for their use

US7004942B2 · kind B2 · utility

116Cited by
98References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 23, 2003
Grant dateFeb 28, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 23, 2023

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 gently heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces separated by an insulating rib or film. 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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.