US Patent:
20030161824, Aug 28, 2003
Inventors:
Raymond Rackley - Shaker Heights OH, US
Dean Klein - North Oaks MN, US
Kristina Wittchow - Burnsville MN, US
International Classification:
A61M031/00
A61K033/44
A61K035/78
US Classification:
424/125000, 604/060000, 424/725100
Abstract:
The present invention provides a syringe and a hypodermic needle having both linear and arcuate segments for injecting bulking agents into soft tissue planes between an organ and surrounding sphincter muscle to treat undesired sphincter-related deficiencies such as stress urinary incontinence, anal incontinence and esophageal reflux. A penetration depth shield or guide may be added to the hypodermic needle to limit the penetration of the needle and aid in the proper positioning of the needle. In one embodiment, a method for injecting a bulking agent into the soft tissue plane between the urethra and surrounding sphincter muscle and/or proximal urethral submucosa by using a hypodermic needle having both linear and arcuate segments, a penetration depth shield and a syringe containing a bulking agent is provided. The bulking agent may comprise a plurality of discrete carbon coated substrate particles that are carried in a fluid and lubricative biocompatible medium. In addition, a needle kit for treating stress urinary incontinence is provided.