Method for treating fecal incontinence

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A method for treating fecal incontinence comprising:
providing an electrode carrying structure having a plurality of guide channels, the electrode carrying structure carrying a plurality of electrodes, the electrodes movable within the guide channels; inserting the electrode carrying structure into the anal cavity; slidably advancing the electrodes through the guide channels and out of openings in the electrode carrying structure to expose distal regions of the electrodes, the electrodes including penetrating distal tips at the distal region and temperature sensors; applying energy through the electrodes above a dentate line of the anal cavity to create a pattern of lesions; and sensing temperature by the temperature sensors carried by the electrodes.