Method and apparatus for treating sexual dysfunction

• US 9,161,749 B2
• Filed: 04/12/2012
• Issued: 10/20/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Teleflex Life Sciences III LLC
• Original Assignee: NeoTract, Inc. (Teleflex Incorporated)
• Inventors: Makower, Joshua, Lamson, Thedoore C., Catanese, Joseph III
• Primary Examiner(s): GILBERT, SAMUEL G
• Application Number:
  US13/445,184
• Publication Number:
  US 20120265006A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,286 Days
• Field of Search: 600 38- 41, 128/898
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0401 Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors A61B17/0642 takes precedence; fixation devices for tendons or ligaments A61F2/0811
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0482 Needle or suture guides guides for drills, pins or wire A61B17/17; for puncturing needles A61B17/3403
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/42 Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods ligaturing clamps or clips for the umbilical cord A61B17/122; curettage A61B17/320708; dilators A61M29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0419 H-fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/06052 Needle-suture combinations in which a suture is extending inside a hollow tubular needle, e.g. over the entire length of the needle

Abstract

A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating sexual dysfunction. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.

Claims

1. A method of treating sexual dysfunction, comprising:

accessing anatomy involved in male sexual function;

providing a delivery device housing an anchor assembly;

identifying tissue to be manipulated for treating sexual dysfunction;

implanting the anchor assembly to manipulate tissue for treating sexual dysfunction; and

assessing erectile function prior and subsequent to implantation of the anchor assembly.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising manipulating tissue to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising manipulating tissue to improve lower urinary tract symptoms.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising arranging the anchor assembly to treat bladder outlet obstruction.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising assessing nitric oxide levels in one or more of a prostate, a bladder and an urethra prior and subsequent to implantation of the anchor assembly.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising assessing Rho-Kinase levels prior and subsequent to implantation of the anchor assembly.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising implanting a plurality of anchor assemblies.

8. A method of treating sexual dysfunction, comprising:

accessing anatomy involved in male sexual function;

providing a delivery device housing an anchor assembly;

identifying tissue to be manipulated for treating sexual dysfunction;

implanting the anchor assembly to manipulate tissue for treating sexual dysfunction; and

assessing ejaculation function prior and subsequent to implantation of the anchor assembly.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising manipulating tissue to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising manipulating tissue to improve lower urinary tract symptoms.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising arranging the anchor assembly to treat bladder outlet obstruction.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising implanting a plurality of anchor assemblies.