Devices and methods for attenuation of pressure waves in the body
AssigneeSolace Therapeutics, Inc.
InventorsDavid G. Matsuura, Walter D. Gillespie, Sheila K. Wallin, Kevin G. Connors, Edward Bullister
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are pressure attenuators, for attenuating pressure changes in an anatomical structure. The attenuators are movable from a first, introduction configuration to a second, implanted configuration. When in the second, implanted configuration, the attenuator attenuates pressure spikes within the body by reversibly reducing in volume in response to the pressure spike. In one application, the attenuator is utilized to treat urinary tract dysfunctions. Deployment devices, retrieval devices, and methods are also disclosed.
Claims62
A method of attenuating or deflecting pressure in an anatomical structure, comprising placing an attenuator in communication with a body cavity, exposing the attenuator to an increase in pressure within the cavity, and attenuating the increased pressure.
A method of treating urinary tract dysfunction, comprising the steps of:
- identifying a patient exhibiting symptoms of incontinence;
- and
- positioning a compressible pressure attenuator in the patient's bladder.
A method of treating urinary tract dysfunction comprising advancing a compressible device transurethrally into the bladder, wherein the device comprises a wire frame.
A device for treating urinary tract dysfunction, comprising a compressible attenuator having an expanded volume within the range of from about 1 cc to about 200 cc, which is compressible to no more than about 80% of its expanded volume under a pressure of about 80 cm H2O.
A method of treating a patient, comprising the steps of:
- providing a compressible attenuator which is moveable from a first, introduction configuration to a second, implanted configuration;
- introducing the attenuator into the body while in the first configuration;
- transforming the attenuator within the body to the second configuration;
- and
- attenuating a pressure spike within the body by reversibly reducing the volume of the attenuator in response to the pressure spike.
A method of estimating the dynamic compliance of the bladder, comprising the steps of infusing a volume of fluid into the bladder and measuring the intravesical pressure in the bladder.
An attenuator, for attenuating pressure variations in an anatomical structure, comprising a moveable wall which defines a displacement volume, in which at least a portion of the wall is moveable between a first displacement volume for placement within the anatomical structure, and a second, enlarged displacement volume for attenuating pressure changes within the structure, and a fuse for enabling the attenuator to change from the second displacement volume to a reduced displacement volume for removal of the attenuator from the anatomical structure.
A method of treating urinary tract dysfunction, comprising the steps of positioning an attenuator within the bladder, wherein the attenuator remains in the bladder for a treatment period, changes in form following the treatment period, and is transurethrally expelled from the bladder following the change in form.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.