Devices, methods, and systems for shrinking tissues

An endoscopic method for treating urinary stress incontinence, the method comprising:

• introducing a probe into a patient body;
• optically imaging the probe and a target tissue of the patient body, the target tissue comprising a portion of at least one of an endopelvic fascia and an arcus tendineus fascia pelvis which comprise or support the patient's urethra;
• positioning an electrode of the probe against the target tissue;
• and
• energizing the electrode to heat and contract the target tissue without substantially ablating the target tissue.

A method for treating urinary incontinence in a patient, said method comprising;

• providing a probe having a proximal end, a distal end, and a heat-applying element near its distal end;
• positioning the probe within the patient's urethra so that the heat applying element is disposed in the region of a urethral sling;
• applying an amount of energy from the probe to collagenous tissue of a patient's urethral wall sufficient to partially shrink a urethral passage;
• and
• removing the probe from the urethra.

A method for treating urinary incontinence in a patient, said method comprising;

• providing a probe having a proximal end, a distal end, and a heat-applying element;
• positioning the probe within the patient's vagina;
• penetrating the heat-applying element from the probe into a collagenous tissue structure which supports the urethra or urinary sphineter;
• applying an amount of energy from the probe and into the collagenous tissue structure sufficient to contract the collagenous tissue structure and enhance support of the urethra or urinary sphincter;
• and
• removing the probe from the vagina.