Surx, Inc.

Ams Research Corporation

Solarant Medical, Inc.

Other

George A Morrison

Garry L Carter

Timothy G Dietz

Frank W Ingle

Loren L Roy

Brian J Mosel

John Patrick Claude

Paul L Do

David C Densow

The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Rather than relying on a surgeon's ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of pelvic support tissues, a relatively large surface of a tissue contraction system is placed statically against the target tissue. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).

Static devices and methods to shrink tissues for incontinence

Methods, devices, and systems for treating the support structures of the body, particularly for incontinence, take advantage of two mechanisms to enhance the support provided by the fascia, ligaments and tendons: first, the invention increases a modulus of elasticity of these tissues, and particularly of the fascial tissues. The increase in modulus can be effected by directing sufficient energy to the fascial tissue so as to promote the formation of scar tissue. The second mechanism attaches tissue planes together, often by directing energy to an interface between adjacent fascial tissues.

Energy induced bulking and buttressing of tissues for incontinence

Endopelvic fascia treatment for incontinence

Improved devices, methods, and systems for the surgical treatment of urinary incontinence generally enhance the support provided by the natural tissues of the pelvic floor without directly applying compressive pressure against the urethra. The invention provides probes for forming plications in the endopelvic fascia that are displaced laterally on either side of the midline. These probes can impose a predetermined level of trauma to the plicated tissues so as to promote the formation of adhesions. Adhesions can maintain the enhanced support provided by the plication after reabsorption of a temporary fastener (such as a reasborbable suture, staple, or the like). The plicating probe draws the tissue inward to provide a uniform plication within a predetermined size range.

Tuck and fold fascia shortening for incontinence

Improved devices, methods, and systems for the surgical treatment of urinary incontinence generally enhance the support provided by the natural tissues of the pelvic floor without directly applying compressive pressure against the urethra. The invention provides probes for forming plications in the endopelvic fascia that are displaced laterally on either side of the midline. These probes can impose a predetermined level of trauma to the plicated tissues so as to promote the formation of adhesions. Adhesions can maintain the enhanced support provided by the plication after reabsorption of a temporary fastener (such as a reabsorbable suture, staple, or the like). The plicating probe draws the tissue inward to provide a uniform plication within a predetermined size range.

A restraining harness to hold a child in a highchair is disclosed consisting of an elongated panel having strategically placed VELCRO hook and loop type fasteners thereupon such that the panel will encompass completely a range of highchair backs ranging in heights from 17 inches to 8 inches, the panel always arranged and attaching to itself such as to firmly engage the highchair back and present the same end emerging at the top of the highchair back. Further, only the loop-type VELCRO hook and loop type fasteners are presented to the backside of a child. A plurality of straps operably attached to the panel pass parallel over the child's shoulders to a holding strap, and then converge to a single strap passing through the child's legs and under-the-seat to rejoin the panel. A chest encircling strap is operably attached to the panel and the shoulder straps. In addition, the device may be folded to its smallest and most compact configuration to reside entirely upon the back of a child separate from the highchair whereupon a holding and walking strap may be attached to one of the rear clasps in order that an adult may hold the strap vertically to help hold the child erect when the child is learning to walk.

Growing community of inventors

Foster City, CA, United States of America

George A Morrison