Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems/devices for non-invasively measuring and/or altering collagen structures before, during and after treatment, e.g., by the application of RF energy, of tissues that comprise such collagen structures.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems/devices for non-invasively measuring and/or altering collagen structures before, during and after treatment, e.g., by the application of RF energy, of tissues that comprise such collagen structures.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems/devices for non-invasively measuring baseline collagen and collagen changes during treatment of tissue, e.g., denaturation by the application of RF energy, through linear dichroism, circular dichroism, or birefringence. The invention optionally uses polarization sensitive optical measurements to discriminate between denaturation of unidirectionally oriented strands of collagen, such as a ligament or tendon, and denaturation of planar collagen surfaces, such as the dermal layer of the skin or collagen in joint capsules.

Abstract: Noninvasive methods for therapeutically heating a collagenous structural support tissue of a pelvic support system to a desired temperature range are provided. One method comprises delivering energy to the structural support tissue to heat the tissue to the desired temperature range by ramping up a power level for a first period of time. A first constant high power level is then maintained for a second period of time. The power level is then ramped down for a third period of time. A second constant lower power level is then maintained for a fourth period of time. This power application treatment yields a favorable heat treatment maximizing predictability and efficacy while maintaining sufficient levels of safety. Further, such open loop power algorithms advantageously provide control without the need for subsidiary tissue temperature feedback measurements from sensors or tissue penetrating needles.

Abstract: Incontinence systems and methods for directing treatment to a target tissue of a patient comprise a guide having a first palpation member and a probe body having a treatment zone and a second palpation member. The guide is configured to be inserted into a urethra of the patient. The first palpation member is positioned in a fixed relationship to an anatomical landmark, such as a bladder neck. The probe body is configured to be inserted into a vagina of the patient. The second palpation member is registered proximal the first palpation member so as to position the treatment zone of the probe adjacent the target tissue of the patient and away from the nerves and/or tissues in the area of the bladder neck and bladder.

Abstract: Systems, software, devices, and methods are disclosed for therapeutically heating a collagenous structural support tissue within a pelvic support system of a patient body. The present invention may monitor the delivery of energy and dynamically adjust the delivery of energy during the treatment so that an actual treatment time for reaching a target temperature falls within a desired treatment time range of reaching the target temperature. The present invention may also dynamically adjust the power level after the target temperature has been reached so that the tissue is held at the target temperature for a desired dwell time.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes fiber end aligning jaws which have pyramid shaped entrances which are keyed to pyramid shaped collets for keeping the jaws in an expanding attitude to allow for easy fiber insertion into the jaws. Subsequent to fiber insertion, a fiber contact is locked to the connector so as to simultaneously release its corresponding collet an amount sufficient so that the jaws are urged into aligning contact with the fiber.