公开(公告)号：US5588960A

公开(公告)日：1996-12-31

申请号：US349064

申请日：1994-12-01

Applicant: Stuart D. Edwards ,  Ronald G. Lax ,  Hugh R. Sharkey

Inventor： Stuart D. Edwards ,  Ronald G. Lax ,  Hugh R. Sharkey

IPC: A61N1/30 ,  A61B17/00 ,  A61B17/42 ,  A61B18/04 ,  A61B18/12 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61M31/00 ,  A61B17/39

CPC classification number: A61B18/1477 ,  A61B17/0625 ,  A61B18/1485 ,  A61B17/0057 ,  A61B2017/00805 ,  A61B2018/00523 ,  A61B2018/00553 ,  A61B2018/044 ,  A61B2018/143 ,  A61B2018/1475 ,  A61M2025/0096

Abstract: A medical device which includes an elongate probe member sized to be able to enter a urethra of a female human body and having a length so that when the distal extremity is disposed in the vicinity of a target volume of tissue surrounding the urethra the proximal extremity is outside of the urethra. The elongate probe member has a passage extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. At least one tubular needle is disposed in the passage and has first and second extremities and a flow passageway therein extending longitudinally from the first extremity to at least one opening provided in the second extremity of the at least one tubular needle. A control handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member for causing movement of the at least one tubular needle in the passage. A guide passageway causes movement of the at least one tubular needle through a curved path extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis. A supply assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member and is in communication with the flow passageway of the at least one tubular needle for introducing an agent into the flow passageway. A method for use of the device is provided.

Abstract translation: 一种医疗装置，其包括细长的探针构件，其尺寸设计成能够进入女性人体的尿道并且具有一定长度，使得当所述远端设置在围绕所述尿道的组织的目标体积附近时，所述近端是 在尿道之外。 细长的探针构件具有从近端延伸到远端的通道。 至少一个管状针被设置在通道中并且具有第一和第二末端以及其中从第一末端纵向延伸到设置在至少一个管状针的第二末端中的至少一个开口的流动通道。 控制手柄固定到细长探针构件的近端，用于使至少一个管状针在通道中移动。 引导通道使得至少一个管状针的运动通过与纵向轴线成一角度延伸的弯曲路径。 供应组件由细长探针构件的近端承载并且与至少一个管状针的流动通道连通，用于将试剂引入流动通道。 提供了一种使用该装置的方法。

公开(公告)号：US5575788A

公开(公告)日：1996-11-19

申请号：US319373

申请日：1994-10-06

Applicant: James Baker ,  Stuart D. Edwards ,  Chris Jones ,  Kee S. Lee ,  Phillip Sommer ,  Bruno Strul

Inventor： James Baker ,  Stuart D. Edwards ,  Chris Jones ,  Kee S. Lee ,  Phillip Sommer ,  Bruno Strul

IPC: A61B17/00 ,  A61B17/42 ,  A61B18/00 ,  A61B18/02 ,  A61B18/04 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61F2/958 ,  A61M3/02 ,  A61M16/04 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61N1/40 ,  A61B17/36

CPC classification number: A61N1/40 ,  A61B18/148 ,  A61B18/1485 ,  A61B18/1492 ,  A61M16/0481 ,  A61N1/056 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61B18/1815 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2017/00106 ,  A61B2017/003 ,  A61B2017/4216 ,  A61B2018/00011 ,  A61B2018/00023 ,  A61B2018/00029 ,  A61B2018/00065 ,  A61B2018/00077 ,  A61B2018/00083 ,  A61B2018/00113 ,  A61B2018/00148 ,  A61B2018/00214 ,  A61B2018/0022 ,  A61B2018/00494 ,  A61B2018/00559 ,  A61B2018/00577 ,  A61B2018/00654 ,  A61B2018/00666 ,  A61B2018/00678 ,  A61B2018/00702 ,  A61B2018/00708 ,  A61B2018/00726 ,  A61B2018/00755 ,  A61B2018/00761 ,  A61B2018/00791 ,  A61B2018/00797 ,  A61B2018/00815 ,  A61B2018/00821 ,  A61B2018/00827 ,  A61B2018/00869 ,  A61B2018/00875 ,  A61B2018/00886 ,  A61B2018/00892 ,  A61B2018/00898 ,  A61B2018/0091 ,  A61B2018/00916 ,  A61B2018/00982 ,  A61B2018/0262 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/124 ,  A61B2018/1253 ,  A61B2018/126 ,  A61B2018/1273 ,  A61B2018/1467 ,  A61B2018/1472 ,  A61B2090/3614 ,  A61B2090/3782 ,  A61B2218/002 ,  A61B8/00 ,  A61M2025/1052 ,  A61M2025/1086 ,  A61M25/1002 ,  A61M3/0279

Abstract: An ablation apparatus for ablating an inner layer in an organ or lumen of a body, or any desired thin layer, includes an expandable member made of a material with a porous exterior surface. An electrolytic solution, housed in an interior of the expandable member, releases electrolytic solution through the porous exterior surface. A conforming member, which can be an open cell foam material, has an RF conductive surface, and a back side in a surrounding relationship to an exterior surface of the expandable member. Further, the conforming member includes non-zone areas that have a first porosity rate for delivering electrolytic solution to the inner layer. The conforming member also includes a zone for housing each RF electrode and electrolytic solution. Zones have a second porosity rate that is less than the first porosity rate, thus permitting electrolytic solution to pass through the non-zone areas at a faster rate than in the zones. The zones provide an area where electrolytic solution is heated to a higher temperature, due to the differences in porosity with the non-zones. With the combination of the electrode and the heated electrolytic solution in each zone, a larger electrode is created, and there is a more effective, and even application of both RF and thermal energy to the tissue site, such as the endometrium.

Abstract translation: 用于烧蚀身体的器官或内腔或任何所需薄层中的内层的消融装置包括由具有多孔外表面的材料制成的可扩张构件。 容纳在可膨胀构件内部的电解液通过多孔外表面释放电解液。 可以是开孔泡沫材料的适形构件具有RF导电表面和与可扩张构件的外表面相关的背面。 此外，适形构件包括具有用于将电解溶液输送到内层的第一孔隙率的非区域区域。 符合构件还包括用于容纳每个RF电极和电解溶液的区域。 区域具有小于第一孔隙率的第二孔隙率，因此允许电解溶液以比在区域中更快的速率通过非区域区域。 由于与非区域的孔隙率的差异，这些区域提供了将电解液加热到较高温度的区域。 通过在每个区域中的电极和加热的电解液的组合，产生更大的电极，并且对组织部位（例如子宫内膜）进行RF和热能的更有效且均匀的应用。

公开(公告)号：US5569241A

公开(公告)日：1996-10-29

申请号：US272162

申请日：1994-07-07

Applicant: Stuart D. Edwards

Inventor： Stuart D. Edwards

IPC: A61B17/00 ,  A61B17/42 ,  A61B18/00 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61F2/958 ,  A61M3/02 ,  A61M16/04 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61B17/39

CPC classification number: A61B18/148 ,  A61B18/1485 ,  A61B18/1492 ,  A61M16/0481 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2017/00106 ,  A61B2017/4216 ,  A61B2018/00065 ,  A61B2018/00083 ,  A61B2018/00214 ,  A61B2018/0022 ,  A61B2018/00559 ,  A61B2018/00577 ,  A61B2018/00654 ,  A61B2018/00666 ,  A61B2018/00678 ,  A61B2018/00702 ,  A61B2018/00708 ,  A61B2018/00761 ,  A61B2018/00791 ,  A61B2018/00827 ,  A61B2018/00869 ,  A61B2018/00875 ,  A61B2018/00886 ,  A61B2018/00892 ,  A61B2018/00898 ,  A61B2018/0091 ,  A61B2018/00916 ,  A61B2018/00982 ,  A61B2018/124 ,  A61B2018/1472 ,  A61B2218/002 ,  A61M2025/1052 ,  A61M2025/1086 ,  A61M25/1002 ,  A61M3/0279

Abstract: An ablation apparatus has a balloon that is inserted into an organ of a body and ablates all or a selected portion of the inner layer of the organ. Electrolytic solution fills the balloon, and the balloon includes a plurality of apertures from which electrolytic solution flows from the balloon. The flow rate of electrolytic solution is dependent on the pressure applied to the balloon by the electrolytic solution. A conforming member, with a conductive surface and a back side, is made of a material that substantially conforms to a shape of the inner layer of the organ and delivers the electrolytic solution and RF energy through the conductive surface to the inner layer. Advantageously, difficult to access areas are reached with the inclusion of the conforming member. Optionally positioned between the conforming member and the balloon is a porous membrane. A printed circuit can be formed in or on the conforming member, or adjacent to its back side or conductive surface, and delivers RF energy to selected sections of the inner layer. A feedback device is included and is responsive to a detected characteristic of the inner layer. The feedback device provides a controlled delivery of RF energy to segments of the circuit.

Abstract translation: 消融装置具有插入到身体器官中并消融器官内层的全部或选定部分的气囊。 电解液填充气囊，气球包括多个孔，电解溶液从气孔中流出。 电解液的流速取决于电解液对球囊施加的压力。 具有导电表面和背面的符合构件由基本上符合器官内层形状的材料制成，并将电解溶液和RF能量通过导电表面输送到内层。 有利地，通过包含符合标准的构件来达到难以进入的区域。 任选地位于适形构件和球囊之间的是多孔膜。 印刷电路可以形成在适形构件中或其上，或邻近其背侧或导电表面，并将RF能量传送到内层的选定部分。 包括反馈装置并响应于内层的检测特性。 反馈装置提供对电路的段的RF能量的受控传递。

公开(公告)号：US5549108A

公开(公告)日：1996-08-27

申请号：US252060

申请日：1994-06-01

Applicant: Stuart D. Edwards ,  Thomas F. Kordis ,  David K. Swanson

Inventor： Stuart D. Edwards ,  Thomas F. Kordis ,  David K. Swanson

IPC: A61B5/042 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61B5/0402 ,  A61N1/05

CPC classification number: A61B5/6856 ,  A61B5/0422 ,  A61B5/6853 ,  A61B5/6858 ,  A61B5/6859 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61B2562/0209 ,  A61B2562/043

Abstract: A cardiac diagnosis and treatment system comprises a support carrying at least two electrodes. A conductor is associated with the support for selectively directing electrical signals to and from each electrode. The conductor includes a first buss for delivering power from an external power source, a second buss for transmitting electrode signals to an external signal processor, and a third buss for receiving control signals from an external signal source to multiplex the electrode signals from the electrodes through the second buss. A conduction line conducts power, control signals, and electrode signals from the external sources to the conductor.

Abstract translation: 心脏诊断和治疗系统包括承载至少两个电极的支撑件。 导体与用于选择性地将电信号导向每个电极和从每个电极引导的支撑件相关联。 导体包括用于从外部电源传递电力的第一总线，用于将电极信号传输到外部信号处理器的第二总线，以及用于从外部信号源接收控制信号的第三总线，以将来自电极的电极信号多路复用 第二个总线 导线将电源，控制信号和电极信号从外部源传导到导体。

公开(公告)号：US5421819A

公开(公告)日：1995-06-06

申请号：US61647

申请日：1993-05-13

Applicant: Stuart D. Edwards ,  Hugh R. Sharkey ,  Ingemar H. Lundquist ,  Ronald G. Lax ,  James A. Baker, Jr.

Inventor： Stuart D. Edwards ,  Hugh R. Sharkey ,  Ingemar H. Lundquist ,  Ronald G. Lax ,  James A. Baker, Jr.

IPC: A61B18/12 ,  A61B1/00 ,  A61B5/01 ,  A61B10/00 ,  A61B10/02 ,  A61B10/06 ,  A61B17/00 ,  A61B17/22 ,  A61B17/24 ,  A61B17/28 ,  A61B17/34 ,  A61B18/00 ,  A61B18/08 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61B18/22 ,  A61B18/24 ,  A61B19/00 ,  A61F7/00 ,  A61K31/465 ,  A61M1/00 ,  A61M3/02 ,  A61M25/00 ,  A61M25/14 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N1/40 ,  A61N5/02 ,  A61N5/04 ,  A61N5/06 ,  A61B17/39

CPC classification number: A61B10/0233 ,  A61B10/0275 ,  A61B10/06 ,  A61B18/00 ,  A61B18/1477 ,  A61B18/1485 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61B18/1815 ,  A61K31/465 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N1/40 ,  A61N1/403 ,  A61N5/02 ,  A61N5/045 ,  A61B1/00188 ,  A61B10/02 ,  A61B10/0241 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61B18/1442 ,  A61B18/148 ,  A61B18/24 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2017/00092 ,  A61B2017/00106 ,  A61B2017/00274 ,  A61B2017/00292 ,  A61B2017/003 ,  A61B2017/00867 ,  A61B2017/22072 ,  A61B2017/22077 ,  A61B2017/22082 ,  A61B2017/248 ,  A61B2017/2939 ,  A61B2017/3488 ,  A61B2018/00005 ,  A61B2018/00011 ,  A61B2018/00083 ,  A61B2018/00095 ,  A61B2018/00196 ,  A61B2018/0022 ,  A61B2018/00547 ,  A61B2018/00577 ,  A61B2018/00678 ,  A61B2018/00702 ,  A61B2018/00726 ,  A61B2018/00744 ,  A61B2018/0075 ,  A61B2018/00761 ,  A61B2018/00791 ,  A61B2018/00797 ,  A61B2018/00821 ,  A61B2018/00869 ,  A61B2018/00886 ,  A61B2018/0091 ,  A61B2018/00916 ,  A61B2018/00946 ,  A61B2018/00982 ,  A61B2018/1253 ,  A61B2018/126 ,  A61B2018/1273 ,  A61B2018/128 ,  A61B2018/1425 ,  A61B2018/2238 ,  A61B2090/0814 ,  A61B2090/3614 ,  A61B2090/3782 ,  A61B2090/3925 ,  A61B2217/005 ,  A61B2217/007 ,  A61M2025/0086 ,  A61M2025/0087 ,  A61M2025/0089 ,  A61M2025/009 ,  A61M2025/0096 ,  A61M2025/018 ,  A61M25/0032 ,  A61M25/0045 ,  A61M25/008 ,  A61M3/0279 ,  A61N5/04

Abstract: A medical probe device of this invention comprising a catheter having a control end and a probe end. The probe end includes a stylet guide housing having at least one stylet port and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. A stylet is positioned in at least one of said stylet guide means, the stylet comprising a non-conductive sleeve having a RF electrode lumen and an optional a fluid supply lumen and a temperature sensor lumen therein. At least one portion of an opposed surface of the electrode lumen and the electrode can be spaced apart to define a liquid supply passageway for delivery of medicament liquid. The RF electrode enclosed within the non-conductive sleeve has a distal length optionally having at least one current focusing groove means thereon and a distal tip shaped to focus current crowding on its terminal end, whereby Rf current passing therefrom into surrounding tissue forms a lesion extending outward from the groove and tip. The focusing groove means can be a plurality of annular focusing grooves or a spiral focusing groove thereon.

Abstract translation: 本发明的医疗探针装置包括具有控制端和探针端的导管。 探针端部包括具有至少一个探针端口和探针引导装置的探针引导壳体，用于通过至少一个管心针孔将柔性探针向外引导并通过介入组织引导到靶组织。 探针定位在所述探针引导装置中的至少一个上，所述探针包括具有RF电极腔和可选的流体供应管腔和其中的温度传感器腔的非导电套管。 电极腔和电极的相对表面的至少一部分可以间隔开以限定用于输送药液的液体供应通道。 封闭在非导电套筒内的RF电极具有任选地在其上具有至少一个电流聚焦槽装置的远端长度，以及形成为将电流拥挤聚焦在其末端上的远端，其中从其进入周围组织的Rf电流形成延伸的病变 从凹槽和尖端向外。 聚焦槽装置可以是多个环形聚焦槽或其上的螺旋形聚焦槽。

公开(公告)号：US5363861A

公开(公告)日：1994-11-15

申请号：US789260

申请日：1991-11-08

Applicant: Stuart D. Edwards ,  Russell B. Thompson

Inventor： Stuart D. Edwards ,  Russell B. Thompson

IPC: A61B18/14 ,  A61M25/01 ,  A61B5/00 ,  A61M25/00 ,  A61M37/00

CPC classification number: A61M25/0138 ,  A61M25/0144 ,  A61M25/0147 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61M2025/0161

Abstract: An electrode tip assembly for a catheter is bendable under the control of the user. One portion of the assembly is more resistant to bending than the remaining portions. The variable stiffness directs and concentrates the applied bending forces in the particular region where maximum bending is desired.

Abstract translation: 用于导管的电极头组件可在用户的控制下弯曲。 组件的一部分比其余部分更耐弯曲。 可变刚度引导并将所施加的弯曲力集中在需要最大弯曲的特定区域中。

公开(公告)号：US5328467A

公开(公告)日：1994-07-12

申请号：US790205

申请日：1991-11-08

Applicant: Stuart D. Edwards ,  Russell B. Thompson

Inventor： Stuart D. Edwards ,  Russell B. Thompson

IPC: A61B18/14 ,  A61M25/01 ,  A61B5/04

CPC classification number: A61M25/0138 ,  A61M25/0144 ,  A61M25/0147 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61M2025/0161

Abstract: A catheter has a handle and a guide tube enclosing an interior bore. The guide tube has a proximal end and a distal end. A friction sleeve joins the proximal end of the guide tube to the handle. The friction sleeve extends from the handle and grips a portion of the guide tube beyond the handle. The friction sleeve forms a hand grip for the user beyond the confines of the handle. It also serves to effectively transmit torque applied at the handle to the distal end of the guide tube.

Abstract translation: 导管具有手柄和封闭内孔的导管。 导管具有近端和远端。 摩擦套筒将引导管的近端连接到手柄。 摩擦套筒从手柄延伸并夹住导管的一部分超过手柄。 摩擦套筒为使用者形成超出手柄范围的手柄。 它还用于将施加在手柄处的扭矩有效地传递到导管的远端。

公开(公告)号：US5309910A

公开(公告)日：1994-05-10

申请号：US951157

申请日：1992-09-25

Applicant: Stuart D. Edwards ,  Thomas F. Kordis ,  David K. Swanson

Inventor： Stuart D. Edwards ,  Thomas F. Kordis ,  David K. Swanson

IPC: A61B5/042 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61L29/08 ,  A61L29/14 ,  A61L31/10 ,  A61L31/14 ,  A61N1/05

CPC classification number: A61B5/6856 ,  A61B5/0422 ,  A61B5/6852 ,  A61B5/6853 ,  A61B5/6858 ,  A61B5/6859 ,  A61L29/085 ,  A61L29/145 ,  A61L31/10 ,  A61L31/145 ,  A61N1/056 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61B2562/0209 ,  A61B2562/043 ,  Y10T29/49002 ,  Y10T29/49117

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in interventricular cardiac mapping includes one or more elongated splines each of which carries a plurality of spaced apart electrodes thereon. The body of each spline is formed of a plurality of alternating electrically conductive layers and the electrically non-conductive layers. A separate electrically conductive pathway is provided to connect each of the electrodes to a different one of the conductive layers. Each of the layers is electrically connected to an electrical signal processing device so that signals provided by each of the electrodes can be processed.

Abstract translation: 用于室间心脏映射的电极组件包括一个或多个细长花键，每个细长花键在其上承载多个间隔开的电极。 每个花键的主体由多个交替导电层和非导电层形成。 提供单独的导电路径以将每个电极连接到不同的一个导电层。 每个层电连接到电信号处理装置，使得可以处理由每个电极提供的信号。

公开(公告)号：US20130317497A1

公开(公告)日：2013-11-28

申请号：US13958542

申请日：2013-08-03

Applicant: Stuart D. Edwards ,  David S. Utley

Inventor： Stuart D. Edwards ,  David S. Utley

IPC: A61B18/14

CPC classification number: A61B18/1485 ,  A61B18/00 ,  A61B18/08 ,  A61B18/1206 ,  A61B18/1477 ,  A61B18/148 ,  A61B18/1492 ,  A61B18/18 ,  A61B18/1815 ,  A61B2017/00022 ,  A61B2017/00084 ,  A61B2017/00106 ,  A61B2017/003 ,  A61B2017/00867 ,  A61B2017/22062 ,  A61B2017/22072 ,  A61B2017/4216 ,  A61B2018/00011 ,  A61B2018/00023 ,  A61B2018/00029 ,  A61B2018/00065 ,  A61B2018/00077 ,  A61B2018/00083 ,  A61B2018/00107 ,  A61B2018/00113 ,  A61B2018/00148 ,  A61B2018/0016 ,  A61B2018/00214 ,  A61B2018/0022 ,  A61B2018/00267 ,  A61B2018/00494 ,  A61B2018/00553 ,  A61B2018/00559 ,  A61B2018/00577 ,  A61B2018/00654 ,  A61B2018/00666 ,  A61B2018/00678 ,  A61B2018/00702 ,  A61B2018/00708 ,  A61B2018/00726 ,  A61B2018/00738 ,  A61B2018/00744 ,  A61B2018/00755 ,  A61B2018/00761 ,  A61B2018/00791 ,  A61B2018/00797 ,  A61B2018/00815 ,  A61B2018/00821 ,  A61B2018/00827 ,  A61B2018/00839 ,  A61B2018/00869 ,  A61B2018/00875 ,  A61B2018/00886 ,  A61B2018/00892 ,  A61B2018/00898 ,  A61B2018/0091 ,  A61B2018/00916 ,  A61B2018/00982 ,  A61B2018/0262 ,  A61B2018/046 ,  A61B2018/124 ,  A61B2018/1253 ,  A61B2018/126 ,  A61B2018/1273 ,  A61B2018/1425 ,  A61B2018/1467 ,  A61B2018/1472 ,  A61B2090/3614 ,  A61B2090/3782 ,  A61B2090/3966 ,  A61B2218/002 ,  A61F7/12 ,  A61M3/0279 ,  A61M16/0454 ,  A61M16/0459 ,  A61M16/0481 ,  A61M25/1002 ,  A61M2025/1052 ,  A61M2025/1086 ,  A61N1/056 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61N1/40 ,  A61N7/02 ,  C08L2201/12

Abstract: An apparatus includes an expandable member. The expandable member is sized to be positionable in a sphincter. An energy delivery device is positioned on a surface of the expandable member. The energy delivery device has a configuration that provides sufficient energy delivery to create lesions in the interior of the sphincter. When the expandable member is removed from the sphincter, the sphincter returns to its closed or contracted configuration.

Abstract translation: 一种装置包括可扩张构件。 可扩张构件的大小可定位在括约肌中。 能量输送装置位于可膨胀构件的表面上。 能量输送装置具有提供足够的能量输送以在括约肌内部产生损伤的构造。 当可伸缩构件从括约肌中取出时，括约肌返回到其闭合或收缩的构型。

公开(公告)号：US08465482B2

公开(公告)日：2013-06-18

申请号：US13443713

申请日：2012-04-10

Applicant: Simon W. H. Thomas ,  Peter S. Edelstein ,  John T. To ,  Benjamin T. Nordell ,  Stuart D. Edwards

Inventor： Simon W. H. Thomas ,  Peter S. Edelstein ,  John T. To ,  Benjamin T. Nordell ,  Stuart D. Edwards

IPC: A61B18/18

CPC classification number: A61B18/00 ,  A61B17/0625 ,  A61B18/02 ,  A61B18/14 ,  A61B18/1477 ,  A61B18/1485 ,  A61B2017/00805 ,  A61B2017/00867 ,  A61B2018/00029 ,  A61B2018/00035 ,  A61B2018/00178 ,  A61B2018/00285 ,  A61B2018/00523 ,  A61B2018/00553 ,  A61B2018/00559 ,  A61B2018/00916 ,  A61B2018/1425 ,  A61B2018/143 ,  A61B2218/007 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N7/022 ,  C08L2201/12

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by applying a form of energy to tissue in the vicinity of the urethra and/or bladder outlet to change tissue compliance without substantially narrowing the urethral and/or bladder outlet lumen. The apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a means for treating urethral tissue and an expandable member deployable distal of the means for treating. The expandable member is configured to be anchored against the bladder outlet to dispose the means for treating at a desired treatment site in the urethra using only tactile feedback. The means for treating may include a needleless RF electrode, an ultrasound transducer, or a cryogenic probe configured to be advanced through a hollow needle, each of which are designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.