Urinary incontinence treatment device and method for using the same

An apparatus for the treatment of urinary incontinence comprising:

• a probe comprising:
• a balloon configured for movement between an inflated state and a deflated state, the balloon comprising bellows;
• a first electrode coupled to a first outer surface of the balloon, the first electrode configured to transmit an electrical pulse to cause a contraction of a muscle in communication with the first electrode;
• a second electrode coupled to a second outer surface of the balloon, the second electrode configured to transmit an electrical pulse to cause a contraction of a muscle in communication with the second electrode;
• and
• an internal cavity defined by the balloon;
• and
• a control device configured to cause the balloon to inflate such that the first electrode and the second electrode contact the muscle, and to cause the first electrode and the second electrode to transmit electrical pulses to the muscle;
• wherein the balloon is substantially hollow, and wherein the electrode provides exterior longitudinal support of the balloon by being integrally formed within a material of the balloon such that the bellows, the first electrode, and the second electrode are configured to cooperate to maintain the structural integrity of the balloon without a structural support element being located within the internal cavity.

A method for treating urinary incontinence comprising:

• providing a device comprising a probe, the probe comprising:
• a balloon configured for movement between an inflated state and a deflated state, the balloon comprising bellows;
• a first electrode coupled to a first outer surface of the balloon, the first electrode configured to transmit an electrical pulse to cause a contraction of a muscle in communication with the first electrode;
• a second electrode coupled to a second outer surface of the balloon, the second electrode configured to transmit an electrical pulse to cause a contraction of the muscle in communication with the second electrode;
• and
• an internal cavity defined by the balloon;
• causing, by a control device, the balloon to inflate such that the first electrode and the second electrode contact the muscle;
• and
• causing, by the control device, the first electrode and the second electrode to transmit electrical pulses to the muscle;
• wherein the balloon is substantially hollow, and wherein the electrode provides exterior longitudinal support of the balloon by being integrally formed within a material of the balloon such that the bellows, the first electrode, and the second electrode are configured to cooperate to maintain the structural integrity of the balloon without a structural support element being located within the internal cavity.