Methods and systems for detection and thermal treatment of lower urinary tract conditions

Abstract

The invention relates generally to systems and methods for detecting and/or treating lower urinary tract conditions. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a medical device. The medical device includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end and an end effector assembly that extends distally from the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector assembly includes a plurality of end effector units. Each end effector unit has a sensing element for detecting a location of abnormal organ function and a treatment element for treating the location of abnormal organ function.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A medical device, comprising:
 an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end; and   an end effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member, the end effector assembly including a plurality of end effector units each having a sensing element for detecting a location of abnormal organ function and a treatment element for treating the location of abnormal organ function.   
     
     
         2 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the end effector assembly includes a plurality of legs extending from a proximal end of the end effector assembly to a distal end of the end effector assembly, the plurality of legs forming a three-dimensional sphere in an expanded state. 
     
     
         3 . The medical device of  claim 2 , wherein each leg includes a plurality of lumens, and wherein each lumen is in communication with a corresponding lumen of the elongate member. 
     
     
         4 . The medical device of  claim 3 , wherein each lumen of each leg of the end effector assembly and corresponding lumen of the elongate member receives a bundle that terminates at one of the plurality of end effectors. 
     
     
         5 . The medical device of  claim 4 , wherein the bundle includes a wire, a fluid conduit, a lead, a catheter, and an optical fiber. 
     
     
         6 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of end effector units are substantially uniformly disposed on the end effector assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein each end effector unit further includes a second treatment element for treating the location of abnormal organ function. 
     
     
         8 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein each end effector unit further includes a fluid conduit for delivering a fluid to the location of abnormal organ function. 
     
     
         9 . A device for treating a lower urinary tract, comprising:
 an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more lumens;   an end effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member, the end effector assembly defining one or more exit apertures, wherein each exit aperture is in communication with a corresponding lumen of the elongate member; and   one or more bundles, each bundle extending through one of the one or more lumens of the elongate member and terminating at an end effector unit disposed in one of the one or more exit apertures of the end effector assembly.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the end effector unit includes one or more apertures and a fluid port. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein each bundle includes a wire that terminates at a sensing device provided in one of the one or more apertures of the end effector unit. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein each bundle includes an energy transmission medium that terminates at a treatment element provided in another of the one or more apertures of the end effector unit. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein each bundle includes a fluid conduit that terminates at the fluid port. 
     
     
         14 . A device for treating a lower urinary tract, comprising:
 a support structure configured to conform to a portion of a bladder; and   a plurality of treatment elements disposed on the support structure for treating abnormal bladder function.   
     
     
         15 . The medical device of  claim 14 , wherein the support structure includes a plurality of filaments in an open mesh configuration. 
     
     
         16 . The medical device of  claim 14 , wherein the support structure is a polymer sheet. 
     
     
         17 . The medical device of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of treatment elements are uniformly distributed on the support structure. 
     
     
         18 . The medical device of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of treatment elements are embedded in the support structure. 
     
     
         19 . The medical device of  claim 14 , wherein the support structure is configured to be positioned on an outer surface of the bladder to deliver treatment to a select portion of the bladder. 
     
     
         20 . The medical device of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of treatment elements include a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes configured to deliver energy when the first set of electrodes contact the second set of electrodes.