Patent ID: 8696661
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A kit for the treatment of fecal incontinence comprising a first handle component contained in a first package; a first barrel structure contained in the first package as a separate unit from the first handle component and capable of being attached to the first handle component by a user, said first barrel component sized and configured with a first dimension conducive for advancement into an anal canal having a first anatomic morphology, the first barrel structure carrying an electrode sized and configured to be coupled to a source of tissue ablation energy to be applied through the electrode to form a lesion, the first barrel structure including a transparent side wall visualized by a direct line of sight from an end portion of the first barrel structure, a second barrel structure contained in the first package as a separate unit from the first handle component and first barrel structure and capable of being attached to the first handle component by a user independently and alternatively of said first barrel structure, said second barrel component sized and configured with a second dimension different than the first dimension, the second dimension being conducive for advancement into an anal canal having a second anatomic morphology different than the first anatomic morphology, the second barrel structure carrying an electrode sized and configured to be coupled to a source of tissue ablation energy to be applied through the electrode to form a lesion, the second barrel structure including a transparent side wall visualized by a direct line of sight from an end portion of the second barrel structure, instructions for using either of the selected first or second barrel structure to treat an individual comprising assessing an anatomic morphology of an anal canal of an individual to be treated; selecting one of the first and second barrel structures based upon the assessed anatomic morphology, inserting the selected barrel structure into the anal canal with the electrode retracted within the selected barrel structure; visualizing by the direct line of sight through the transparent side wall of the selected barrel structure the dentate line and the targeted tissue region; while visualizing, aligning the electrode in a desired location in the targeted tissue region above the dentate line; advancing the electrode to penetrate tissue at or near a sphincter; and applying energy through the electrode to create a lesion in the sphincter.