Apparatus and methods to modulate pelvic nervous tissue

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided to position an energy delivery element at a desired position within a bladder and to deliver energy to non-superficial target tissue within or proximate to a bladder wall to modulate bladder function while retaining a mucosal surface of the bladder wall superficial to the non-superficial target tissue substantially intact. The apparatus can include an elongated shaft having a distal region configured to position the energy delivery element at the desired position within the bladder.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 511,776 to Sachs et al., filed July 26, 2011, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MODULATE BLADDER FUNCTION OR TREAT PELVIC PAIN" (Attorney Docket No. 3426.001PRV) , and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 564,460, Hlavka et al., entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MODULATE BLADDER FUNCTION OR TREAT PELVIC PAIN," filed November 30, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. 3426.002 PRV), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background technique

[0003] Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss of urine. There are several types of urinary incontinence, including urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Urge incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine when a sudden need or urgency is felt. Stress urinary incontinence, which typically affects women, is the involuntary leaka...

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