Noninvasive devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of tissues

Abstract

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. This energy heats fascia and other collagenated support tissues, causing them to contract. 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. Ideally, the plate electrode comprises an electrode array including discrete electrode surface segments so that the current flux can be varied to selectively target the fascia. Alternatively, chilled 'liquid electrodes' may direct current through a selected portion of the bladder while also cooling the bladder wall, an insulating gas can prevent heating of an alternative bladder portion and the adjacent tissues, and/or ultrasound transducers direct energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia with little or no injury to the intermediate tissue.

Inventors

• 👤 Frank Ingle
• 👤 Garry L. Carter
• 👤 Robert J. Laird
• 👤 John P. Claude
• 👤 Paul Do
• 👤 Brian J. Mosel

Bibliographic Details