Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for cooling liquid coolant, such as nitrous oxide, to be delivered to a cryo-ablation device such as a balloon catheter. A hose or conduit in fluid communication with the ablation device includes an outer member and inner tubes. A first inner tube disposed within a lumen of the outer member carries liquid coolant to the ablation device. Another inner tube also disposed within the lumen carries liquid coolant and terminates within the lumen such that gaseous coolant derived from liquid coolant flowing through the second inner tube flows within the lumen to cool or chill the first inner tube and liquid coolant carried by the first inner tube to the ablation device.
Abstract:
The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Rather than relying on a surgeon's ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of pelvic support tissues, a relatively large surface of a tissue contraction system is placed statically against the target tissue. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).
Abstract:
The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy gently heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces separated by an insulating rib or film. Such cooled plate electrodes are capable of directing electrical energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia while the cooled electrode surface prevents injury to the intermediate tissue.
Abstract:
An ultrasonic transducer assembly comprising an injection-molded body member, a pair of piezoelectric ceramic members and a multi-pin connector is described. The piezoelectric ceramic members are electrically connected to the multi-pin connector by means of thin metallic ribbons. When assembled, the transducer assembly is detachably inserted in recesses provided therefor in the end of a hand-held probe.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for performing cryogenic ablation of tissue and adjusting the size and/or location of a cryogenic cooling region. A cooling assembly may include tubes for dispensing and exhausting a coolant or refrigerant. One or both of the tubes may be moved, e.g., slidably adjusted, in order to adjust the location or size of a cryogenic ablation region. The cooling assembly may be integrated into cryogenic ablation devices including a cryogenic balloon device that includes an inner inflatable balloon and another balloon that is at least partially wrapped around the inner balloon and carries refrigerant for performing cryo-ablation. Electrodes permit electrical mapping of tissue before or after cryo-ablation to verify success of the procedure.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally relying on energy delivered to a patient's pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. The energy will preferably be applied to the endopelvic fascia and/or an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. A variety of devices and methods are provided for applying gentle resistive heating of these and other tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. By applying sufficient energy over a predetermined time, the tissue can be raised to a temperature which results in contraction without significant necrosis or other tissue damage. By selectively contracting the support tissues, the bladder neck, sphincter, and other components of the urinary tract responsible for the control of urinary flow can be reconfigured or supported in a manner which reduces urinary leakage.
Abstract:
A method for aerosolizing a powder utilizes a receptacle having a cavity containing a powder. An access end of an extraction tube is inserted into the cavity, and an inlet opening is formed in the receptacle. A pressurized gas is flowed through the inlet opening, through the cavity and through the extraction tube to move the powder in the cavity into the extraction tube where the powder is entrained in the gas to form an aerosol.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods for diagnosing and/or treating urinary incontinence can accurately and reliably monitor both a vesicle pressure and a maximum urethral pressure of a patient during an abdominal pressure pulse so as to determine relationships between these pressures. Alignment between the location of maximum urethral pressure and a pressure sensor of a catheter can be maintained using an anchoring structure having a surface which engages a tissue surface along the bladder neck, urethra, or external meatus, which move with the urethra during abdominal pressure pulses. A pressuregram is generated graphically showing an increase in urethral pressure relative to an increase in vesicle pressure, and is often displayed in real time to a system operator adjacent the patient. Quantitative and/or qualitative diagnostic output allow selective remodeling of the patient's support structure so that the incontinence is inhibited.
Abstract:
The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy gently heats fascia and other collagenous support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy will preferably be applied between a pair of large plate electrodes having cooled flat electrode surfaces separated by an insulating rib or film. Such cooled plate electrodes are capable of directing electrical energy through an intermediate tissue and into fascia while the cooled electrode surface prevents injury to the intermediate tissue.
Abstract:
The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. A probe surface includes at least one heating element with a heating area and at least one cooling element with a cooling area. The heating and cooling areas are interspersed along the probe surface so as to produce alternating heated and cooled regions across a tissue engaged by the probe. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results). The interspersed cooling element helps decrease trauma to the tissue for a given amount of shrinkage.