Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally
rely on energy delivered to a patient's own pelvic support tissue to
selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support
tissue so as to reposition the bladder. Devices and methods apply gentle
resistive heating of tissues to cause them to contract without imposing
significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. Alternative
heat-applying probes heat tissue structures which comprise or support a
patient's urethra. By selectively contracting the support tissues, the
bladder neck, sphincter, and other components of the urinary tract
responsible for the control of urinary flow can be reconfigured or
supported in a manner which reduces urinary leakage.