Temperature sensing devices and methods to shrink tissues
AssigneeSURx, Inc.
InventorsFRANK W. INGLE, LOREN L. ROY
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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).
Claims9
A device for therapeutically heating a target tissue of a patient body, the device comprising:
- a probe body having a heat transfer surface oriented for engaging the target tissue;
- a component thermally coupled to the heat transfer surface, the component having an electrical characteristic which varies with temperature;
- and
- a power source coupled to the component for applying a first electrical power, the first power being sufficient to heat the component so that the component heats the heat transfer surface.
A tissue contraction system comprising:
- a heat transfer surface oriented for engaging a tissue surface of a tissue;
- an electrical component thermally coupled to the heat transfer surface;
- and
- an electrical power supply system electrically coupled to the component, the power supply directing electrical energy to the component, the energy heating the component so that the component heats the tissue to a temperature within a tissue contraction temperature range by thermal conduction of heat energy from the component, through the heat transfer surface, and to the tissue surface.
A method for contracting tissue, the method comprising:
- engaging a heat transfer surface against the tissue;
- heating the tissue with the heat transfer surface by heating an electrical component thermally coupled to the heat transfer surface;
- and
- controlling the heating step using an electrical signal from the component so that the tissue contracts without ablating the tissue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.