Method for treating fecal incontinence

• US 20060224157A1
• Filed: 06/05/2006
• Published: 10/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mederi Rf, LLC
• Original Assignee: Curon Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Croft, Rachel, West, Scott, Utley, David, Gaiser, John
• Granted Patent: US 7,699,844 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/31 for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes , colonoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1485 having a short rigid shaft for accessing the inner body through natural openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00267 having a basket shaped structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00482 Digestive system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00553 Sphincter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0091 Handpieces of the surgical instrument or device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00916 with means for switching or controlling the main function of the instrument or device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/046 in liquid form
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3782 transmitter or receiver in catheter or minimal invasive instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/007 Aspiration

Abstract

A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.

Claims

1. A method for treating fecal incontinence comprising

inserting a transparent structure into an anal cavity,

visualizing from outside the anal cavity a dentate line within the anal canal through the transparent structure,

while visualizing the dentate line, advancing at least one electrode into tissue at or near an anal sphincter above the dentate line,

applying energy through the electrode to create a lesion in the sphincter, and

conveying fluid into contact with the tissue to cool the tissue while applying energy to the electrode.

2. A method according to claim 1

wherein the electrode is deployed through the transparent structure.

3. A method according to claim 1

wherein the energy applied is radiofrequency energy.

4. A method according to claim 1

wherein a plurality of electrodes is advance into tissue at or near the anal sphincter above the dentate line, and

wherein energy is applied through the plurality of electrodes to create a lesion pattern in the sphincter.