Method for treating fecal incontinence

Abstract

A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A device for treating fecal incontinence comprising an electrode carrying structure having a plurality of openings and a plurality of electrodes having penetrating distal tips, the plurality of electrodes movable within the electrode carrying structure, the plurality of electrodes movable from a retracted position for insertion to an extended position for extension through the plurality of openings such that the distal tips of the electrodes extend through the plurality of openings, and temperature sensors for measuring temperature at the electrodes. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a lumen in the electrode carrying structure to deliver fluid. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a lumen in the electrode carrying structure to convey aspirated material. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of electrodes have an insulating material thereover. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a barrel and a handle extending at an angle to the barrel, the plurality of openings formed in the barrel. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the barrel has a lumen to removably receive an introducer therethrough to aid passage of the device through the anal canal. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a marker band to help align the plurality of electrodes at a desired location. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the distal tips of the plurality of electrodes have a bend and the plurality of electrodes return from a straightened position within the electrode carrying structure to a bent position when exposed from the electrode carrying structure. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 5 , further comprising a locking mechanism to lock the plurality of electrodes in an advanced position. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the barrel has malleable sections to allow a distal end of the barrel to be bent relative to the handle. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 5  further comprising an actuator for slidably advancing the plurality of electrodes. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a tissue surface temperature sensor to sense tissue surface temperature. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the electrode carrying structure includes a plurality of guide channels, and the plurality of electrodes are biased with a bend and are straightened when within the guide channels. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are deployed in a posterior direction and not an antegrade direction. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein a user can visualize a dentate line of a patient through the barrel of the electrode carrying structure. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged in a side by side relationship along an arcuate segment of the electrode carrying structure. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the electrode carrying structure has a blunt rounded distal end for introducing the electrode carrying structure. 
     
     
         22 . A system for treating fecal incontinence comprising a controller and a device, the device having an electrode carrying structure having a plurality of guide channels and a plurality of openings, a plurality of electrodes having penetrating distal tips, and a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring temperature at the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes movable within the guide channels, the plurality of electrodes movable from a retracted position for insertion to an extended position for extension through the plurality openings such that the distal tips of the electrodes extend through the plurality of openings, the controller controlling application of radiofrequency energy to the plurality of electrodes and maintaining power levels. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the controller processes feedback information from the temperature sensors to govern application of radiofrequency energy. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the controller processes feedback information from the temperature sensors to govern delivery of fluid.