Method for treating fecal incontinence
AssigneeMederi Therapeutics, Inc.
InventorsDavid Utley, Scott West, John Gaiser, Rachel Croft
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.
Claims3
A method for treating fecal incontinence comprising
- identifying for treatment an anal cavity having a dentate line, anoderm tissue below the dentate line, and anal columns immediately above the dentate line,
- providing a transparent structure having a distal end and including an array of tissue-piercing electrodes at the distal end capable of controlled advancement relative to the transparent structure between a retracted position withdrawn in the transparent structure and an advanced position extending outward from the transparent structure,
- inserting the transparent structure into the anal cavity with the array of tissue piercing electrodes in the retracted position,
- visualizing from outside the anal cavity the dentate line within the anal canal through the transparent structure,
- while visualizing the dentate line, locating the distal end of the transparent structure at least about 3 cm above the dentate line,
- advancing the array of tissue piercing electrodes from the retracted position to the advanced position into tissue only at or near an anal sphincter at least about 3 cm above the dentate line,
- applying energy through the array of tissue-piercing electrodes while in the advanced position to create a lesion in the tissue without thermal damage to anoderm tissue and anal columns in the anal canal, and
- conveying fluid into contact with the tissue to cool the tissue while applying energy to the array of tissue-piercing electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.