SURGICAL METHOD AND ELECTRODE THEREFOR

• US 3,858,586 A
• Filed: 06/01/1973
• Issued: 01/07/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Martin Lessen
• Original Assignee: Martin Lessen
• Inventors: Lessen, Martin
• Primary Examiner(s): Medbery, Aldrich F.
• Application Number:
  US05/366,011
• Time in Patent Office: 585 Days
• Field of Search: 128/303.10,303.17,303.14,6,2R,4
• US Class Current: 606/49
• 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 18/1402 Probes for open surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1485 having a short rigid shaft for accessing the inner body through natural openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/4233 Operations on Fallopian tubes, e.g. sterilization A61B2017/1125 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1226 powered by a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2217/007 with irrigation system
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0279 Cannula; Nozzles; Tips; their connection means

Abstract

A surgical electrode is described. This instrument is adapted to fit into a body cavity, to be directed by the surgeon to an operative area in the cavity and then to emit a cauterizing electric current. Several embodiments are disclosed. In one, a blind electrode is positioned and pulsed. In another, an electrode is coupled with optics to permit directing it by sight or by CRT display. In another, a forked or dual electrode is shaped to the body cavity and can be properly positioned with excellent reliability. Preferably, at least the portion of the instrument inserted in the body cavity is disposable. The present invention includes method and apparatus for female sterilization using the electrode for cauterization of fallopian tubes.

Claims

1. A method of sterilization of a female human being, comprising guiding a source of electric discharge under direct vision to the fallopian tubes of said female, generating a cauterizing electric discharge essentially completely, within the fallopian tubes removed from the uterus proper and allowing interior scar tissue to form, thus sealing said tubes.

2. A method of sterilization of a female human being, comprising inserting a fine electrode tip from the uterus into each fallopian tube in a manner to locate said active electrode tip within said tube essentially at the narrowest portion of said tube, and generating a cauterizing electric discharge from said electrode tip to cauterize the tissue within said tube, and allowing scar tissue to form.

3. A method of sterilization of a female animal comprising guiding a source of electric discharge under direct vision to the fallopian tubes of said female, generating a cauterizing electric discharge essentially completely within the fallopian tubes, avoiding the uterus wall with said discharge and sealing said tube by allowing scar tissue to form.

4. A surgical instrument for female sterilization by sealing the fallopian tubes, means for providing a cauterizing electric generated discharge wholly within the fallopian tube to cause tissue wall scarring and permanent blocking of said fallopian tubes comprising an elongated electrode of a size to fit well within said fallopian tubes, means for providing direct vision of the tip of said electrode to guide said electrode to a precise position adjacent the entrance of said tube, means to insert said tip into said tube, and means to supply an electric discharge pulse to said electrode tip, essentially completely within said tube.

5. A surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein said means to guide said electrode comprises a fiber optics bundle for optical illumination and observation of the position of said electrode tip and said electrode includes means for maneuvering said electrode tip in response to said optical observation, said maneuvering being from a position outside the body.

6. A surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein said instrument includes means to flush the optical tip and visual field.

7. In a surgical instrument according to claim 5, including a removable sheath completely surround said fiber optics device to protect said fiber optics device from contamination and containing a movable electrode and an optical tip positionable adjacent to the fiber optics tip and means in said sheath for fluid flushing of said optical tip and field of observation.