Noninvasive devices, methods, and systems for modifying tissues
First Claim
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1. A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient, comprising:
- inserting a probe into a urethra of the patient, wherein the probe comprises an expandable mesh element positioned at or near a distal end of the probe,expanding the entire expandable mesh element within a bladder of the patient;
transmitting electromagnetic energy from the expandable mesh element to a collagenous target tissue comprising or supporting the urethra of the patient, wherein the electromagnetic energy heats the collagenous target tissue so as to inhibit incontinence; and
circulating fluid through the bladder while transmitting the electromagnetic energy to cool tissue of the bladder.
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Abstract
The invention provides improved methods for modifying collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner. The methods typically include inserting a probe into a patient'"'"'s urethra, transmitting electromagnetic energy from the probe to a collagneous target tissue, and cooling the tissue in the vicinity of the probe. The probe may include an expandable element at or near the distal end that is configured to expand within the patient'"'"'s bladder. The expandable element may anchor the probe before or during treatment.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient, comprising:
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inserting a probe into a urethra of the patient, wherein the probe comprises an expandable mesh element positioned at or near a distal end of the probe, expanding the entire expandable mesh element within a bladder of the patient; transmitting electromagnetic energy from the expandable mesh element to a collagenous target tissue comprising or supporting the urethra of the patient, wherein the electromagnetic energy heats the collagenous target tissue so as to inhibit incontinence; and circulating fluid through the bladder while transmitting the electromagnetic energy to cool tissue of the bladder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient, comprising the steps of:
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inserting a probe into a urethra of the patient, wherein the probe comprises an expandable mesh element positioned at or near a distal end of the probe, said expandable mesh element including at least one electrode thereon; expanding the expandable mesh element within a bladder of the patient; transmitting electromagnetic energy from the at least one electrode to a collagenous target comprising or supporting the urethra of the patient for between about 30 seconds and about 5 minutes to effect modification of collagen in the collagenous target; supplying cooling fluid to the bladder; sealing the cooling fluid within the bladder; and circulating the cooling fluid through the bladder to cool tissue of the bladder while transmitting the electromagnetic energy to the collagenous target. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient, comprising the steps of:
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inserting a urethral probe into a urethra of the patient, wherein the urethral probe comprises an expandable mesh element at or near a distal end of the urethral probe, said expandable mesh element including one or more first electrodes thereon; expanding the expandable mesh element within a bladder of the patient; inserting a vaginal probe onto a vagina of the patient, the vaginal probe including one or more second electrodes thereon; applying electromagnetic energy from the one or more first electrodes and the one or more second electrodes to denature a collagenous target tissue; and applying a fluid through the urethral probe or the vaginal probe to cool tissue of the urethra or the vagina. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification