Intrauterine cauterizing apparatus
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for effecting necrosis of an uterine endometrium comprising:
- a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end;
a distendable bladder means attached to said proximal end for insertion into and distending the uterus;
inflating means connected to said distal end for introducing an inflation medium into said bladder;
heating means for heating said inflation medium to a temperature sufficient to effect tissue necrosis positioned internal to said bladder; and
control means connected to said distal end for regulating the inflating and heating of said bladder.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining of a mammalian body cavity, particularly a uterine endometrium, by introducing an applicator comprising a distendable bladder connected to a catheter into the uterus, distending the bladder by introducing a non-toxic fluid under pressure, heating the fluid by means located internal to the bladder to a temperature of 190° to 215° F. and preferably 210° F. for a period of 4 to 12 minutes and preferably 6 minutes and regulating said apparatus by means located external to the uterus, thereby cauterizing substantially the entirety of the tissue lining, particularly the endometrium.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for effecting necrosis of an uterine endometrium comprising:
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a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; a distendable bladder means attached to said proximal end for insertion into and distending the uterus; inflating means connected to said distal end for introducing an inflation medium into said bladder; heating means for heating said inflation medium to a temperature sufficient to effect tissue necrosis positioned internal to said bladder; and control means connected to said distal end for regulating the inflating and heating of said bladder. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining in a body cavity comprising:
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a catheter comprising a length of flexible tubing having a distal end and a proximal end; a bladder means for insertion into and distending the body cavity attached to a proximal end; inflating means connected to said distal end for introducing an inflation medium through said flexible tubing and into said bladder; a heating means for heating said inflation medium to a temperature sufficient to effect tissue necrosis positioned internal to said bladder; and control means connected to said distal end for regulating inflation and heating of said bladder. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification