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Method of treating a flow obstruction

  • US 5,752,971 A
  • Filed: 06/05/1995
  • Issued: 05/19/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of treating the symptoms of urethral outflow obstructions by dilation of the urethra, comprising the steps of:

  • (a) inserting an instrument into the urethra, said instrument having an axially elongate radially expandable support structure disposed therein for radially outwardly dilating the urethra;

    (b) adjusting the location of the support structure within the urethra with respect to an anatomical landmark using direct vision to visualize the position of a nonradiological locating means within the urethra in order to ensure that said support structure does not extend onto any portion of the external urethral sphincter, thereby avoiding dilation of the external urethral sphincter;

    (c) expanding the support structure so as to radially outwardly dilate the urethra, said nonradiological locating means being on or proximal to said support structure when said support structure is radially expanded; and

    (d) removing the instrument, leaving the support structure within the dilated portion of the urethra.

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