SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDERS

• US 20130116677A1
• Filed: 10/17/2012
• Published: 05/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: ESKURI, ALAN D.
• Granted Patent: US 9,486,243 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/42 Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods ligaturing clamps or clips for the umbilical cord A61B17/122; curettage A61B17/320708; dilators A61M29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1445 at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/4216 Operations on uterus, e.g. endometrium
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00434 Neural system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00559 Female reproductive organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00839 Bioelectrical parameters, e.g. ECG, EEG
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00875 Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/02 Localised ultrasound hyperthermia hyperthermia in general A61F7/00

Abstract

An endoscopic procedure for the parasympathetic and sympathetic denervation of the nerves of the ovaries and uterus for management of endocrine dysphoric disorders. The tissues of selected inferior mesenteric and pelvic nerves are heated via introduction of radiofrequency energy at sufficient power and time to induce complete or partial nerve blockade while leaving the supporting tissue structurally intact. In some embodiments, the suspensory ligament of the ovary, the ovarian ligament, and/or the uterosacral ligament are heated to a range of 45° C. to 65° C. for a period of about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds.

Claims

1. A method for treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder in a mammalian being, the method comprising inducing neuromodulation of a neural fiber that contributes to ovarian function.

2. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the neural fiber that contributes to ovarian function is selected from the group consisting of nerves of the suspensory ligament of the ovary, nerves of the ovarian ligament, nerves of the uterosacral ligament, an inferior mesenteric nerve bundle, and a pelvic nerve bundle.

3. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein inducing neuromodulation of the neural fiber comprises delivering electrosurgical energy to the neural fiber.

4. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein inducing neuromodulation of the neural fiber comprises delivering microwave energy to the neural fiber.

5. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein inducing inducing neuromodulation of the neural fiber comprises delivering acoustic energy to the neural fiber.

6. The method in accordance with claim 5, wherein delivering acoustic energy to the neural fiber comprises delivering high frequency focused ultrasound to the neural fiber.

7. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein inducing neuromodulation of the neural fiber comprises increasing the temperature of the neural fiber.

8. The method in accordance with claim 7, wherein the temperature of the neural fiber is increased to a temperature in a range of about 45°

C. to about 65°

C.

9. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein inducing neuromodulation of the neural fiber comprises monitoring the temperature of the neural fiber.

10. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein inducing neuromodulation of the neural fiber comprises monitoring the impedance of the neural fiber.

11. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein inducing neuromodulation of the neural fiber comprises delivering energy to the neural fiber.

12. The method in accordance with claim 11, wherein energy is delivered to the neural fiber for a duration of about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds.

13. The method in accordance with claim 11, wherein energy delivery to the neural fiber is interrupted based upon a sensed neural activity of the neural fiber decreasing to a predetermined value.

14. The method in accordance with claim 1, wherein inducing neuromodulation of the neural fiber comprises monitoring neural activity of the neural fiber.