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: Retrograde methods of accessing and treating collagenous pelvic tissue from a fixed point behind the endo-pelvic fascia, particularly from a space of retzius, are disclosed. Performing treatment from the space of retzius provides for simple and reliable placement and application of the system which in turn enhances both safety and efficacy of such retrograde methodologies. Generally, the systems of the present invention comprise at least a two-part assembly including a penetrating cannula or trocar and an expansible energy applying applicator that is preferably dismounted from behind the endo-pelvic fascia, particularly the space of retzius. The systems and methods are particularly well suited for the treatment of incontinence and other conditions related to insufficient collagenous pelvic tissue support.

Abstract: Noninvasive methods for therapeutically heating a collagenous target tissue of a pelvic support system to a desired temperature range are provided. Energy can be delivered to the target tissue via an applicator device having a plurality of spaced electrodes. The spaced electrodes are selectively activated in accordance with treatment groupings defined by input parameters generally associated with “standard” or “short” treatment modes. These treatment modes can correspond to the urethral length of the target tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can treat incontinence by heating between about 100 and about 800 cubic millimeters of endopelvic fascia for sufficient time to effect substantial collagenous tissue shrinkage. A probe body may directly engage the endopelvic fascia, or may be separated from the endopelvic fascia, heating through (for example) the vaginal wall. In either case, tissue-penetrating electrodes may be inserted from the probe body so as to heat the endopelvic fascia.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning a probe body and a treatment surface adjacent a target tissue. A guide shaft can be positioned in a first body orifice. The probe body can be positioned in a second body orifice in a predetermined position relative to the guide so as to position the treatment surface adjacent the target tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can treat incontinence by heating between about 100 and about 800 cubic millimeters of endopelvic fascia for sufficient time to effect substantial collagenous tissue shrinkage. A probe body may directly engage the endopelvic fascia, or may be separated from the endopelvic fascia, heating through (for example) the vaginal wall. In either case, tissue-penetrating electrodes may be inserted from the probe body so as to heat the endopelvic fascia.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning a probe body and a treatment surface adjacent a target tissue. A guide shaft can be positioned in a first body orifice. The probe body can be positioned in a second body orifice in a predetermined position relative to the guide so as to position the treatment surface adjacent the target tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods form curvilinear lesions in tissue within the body. The systems and methods expose tissue to electrode arrays with intersecting energy emitting elements. The systems and methods apply ablating energy for emission by the elements to create intersecting curvilinear lesion patterns in the tissue.

Abstract: Improved plotting and printing apparatus has a writing surface for supporting a printing medium and which has an opening for exposing the underside of the medium. A transparent plate is mounted to the supporting surface so as to permit placement onto that surface of a printing medium such as a plural leaf form set whose area is larger than that of the plate so that one portion of the medium extends across the opening under the plate and can be printed on by a printer positioned under the surface opposite the opening, while another portion of the medium lies on the surface beyond the plate so that it can be written on from above the surface.