Patent ID: 7306591
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: A61B,A61N,C08L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for remodeling at least one treatment site within the lower urinary tract of a female patient, the lower urinary tract including a urethra having a urethral lumen and a bladder having a bladder outlet, the apparatus comprising: an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends and a distal region disposed adjacent to the distal end; a handle coupled to the proximal end; a plurality of needles configured to selectively extend from within the shaft, the plurality of needles configured for treating a submucosal layer of the urethra or bladder outlet to cause a reduction in the compliance of the submucosal layer; and an expandable member deployable at a predetermined distance distal of the plurality of needles, the expandable member adapted to be deployed in the bladder and anchored against the bladder outlet, wherein the plurality of needles does not substantially narrow the urethral lumen and bladder outlet, and wherein the expandable member comprises a self-expandable basket.