Systems and methods for treating dysfunctions in the intestines and rectum that adapt to the anatomic form and structure of different individuals

Abstract

A family of barrel structures is provided in a kit. Each barrel structure is differently sized and configured for advancement into anal canals of different anatomic morphologies. Instructions are provided for using the barrel structures to treat an individual. The instructions instruct assessing an anatomic morphology of an anal canal of an individual to be treated and selecting one of the barrel structures based upon the assessed anatomic morphology. Each barrel structure carries 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. Each barrel structure includes a transparent side wall visualized by a direct line of sight from an end portion of the first barrel structure. The instructions instruct inserting the selected barrel structure into the anal canal and 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. The instructions instruct, 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.