Methods and devices for urethral treatment

Abstract

A system and method for treating a constricted bodily lumen, for example, a urethra constricted due to BPH. The method includes a planning stage, during which an area requiring treatment is visually identified, and an execution stage during which the lumen is expanded, a cut is formed in the inner surface of the tissue defining the lumen, and an implant is deployed in the cut. The implant can be an open C-shaped ring, and can be formed of a biodegradable material, or can be removed at a selected time after implantation. The system is formed of a planning device anchorable in the lumen and constructed to facilitate location of an area to be treated, and execution device constructed to deliver an implant, to expand the lumen, to form a cut in the inner surface of tissue defining the lumen, and to release the implant for deployment into the cut.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION / S[0001]This application is related to commonly owned International Application IL 2010 / 000229, filed 21 Mar. 2010, and published as WO / 2010 / 106543 on 23 Sep. 2010 (herein referred to as the '229 application), and to International Application IL2012 / 050094, filed 15 Mar. 2012, and published as WO2012 / 123950 on 20 Sep. 2012 (herein referred to as the '094 application”). The content of both the '229 and '094 are; incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.[0002]This application is also based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61 / 783,257, file 14 Mar. 2013, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to systems and methods for treatment of intra-body lumens, and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and devices for dilating and / or assisting in dilation and / or maintaining dilation of the urethra to rel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0053]Optionally according to some embodiments, the cut is formed by a cutter delivered to the implantation site, or by the implant, or by cooperation of a cutter and the implant.

[0054]Optionally, according to some embodiments, the implant-receiving cut is closed after deployment of the implant by application of an adhesive, or by a clamp, or by a suture.

[0055]Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods, and / or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Problems solved by technology

BPH can make it difficult to completely empty the bladder, and is associated with other urinary system problems well known in the medical field.

Drug treatment may only be partially effective in some cases.

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