| abstract |
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. A probe surface includes at least one heating element with a heating area and at least one cooling element with a cooling area. The heating and cooling areas are interspersed along the probe surface so as to produce alternating heated and cooled regions across a tissue engaged by the probe. 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). The interspersed cooling element helps decrease trauma to the tissue for a given amount of shrinkage. |