Uterine treatment apparatus

• US 6,002,968 A
• Filed: 04/22/1998
• Issued: 12/14/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vidacare Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Vidacare Incorporated
• Inventors: Edwards, Stuart D.
• Primary Examiner(s): PEFFLEY, MICHAEL F
• Application Number:
  US09/064,690
• Time in Patent Office: 601 Days
• Field of Search: 606/41, 606/42, 606/48-50, 607/100-102, 607/104, 607/105, 607/156
• US Class Current: 607/101
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1206 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/148 having a short, rigid shaft for accessing the inner body transcutaneously, e.g. for neurosurgery or arthroscopy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1485 having a short rigid shaft for accessing the inner body through natural openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1492 having a flexible, catheter-like structure, e.g. for heart ablation A61B18/1477 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/18 by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves radiation therapy A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00022 Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00106 ultrasonic
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00867 shape memory effect
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22062 to be filled with liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22072 with an instrument channel, e.g. for replacing one instrument by the other
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/4216 Operations on uterus, e.g. endometrium
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00011 with fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00023 closed, i.e. without wound contact by the fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00029 open
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00065 porous
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00077 : high, i.e. electrically conducting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00083 : low, i.e. electrically insulating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00113 : with foam
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00148 : with metal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0016 : Energy applicators arranged in a two- or three dimensional array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 : Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0022 : Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00267 : having a basket shaped structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00494 : Stomach, intestines or bowel
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00553 : Sphincter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00559 : Female reproductive organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 : Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00654 : with individual control of each of a plurality of energy emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00666 : using a threshold value
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00678 : upper
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 : Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00708 : switching the power on or off
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00726 : Duty cycle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00738 : Depth, e.g. depth of ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00744 : Fluid flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00755 : Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00761 : Duration
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 : measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00815 : measured by a thermistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00821 : measured by a thermocouple
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00827 : Current
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00839 : Bioelectrical parameters, e.g. ECG, EEG
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00869 : Phase
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00875 : Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00886 : Duration
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00892 : Voltage
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00898 : Alarms or notifications created in response to an abnormal condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0091 : Handpieces of the surgical instrument or device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00916 : with means for switching or controlling the main function of the instrument or device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00982 : combined with or comprising means for visual or photographic inspections inside the body, e.g. endoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/046 : in liquid form
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/124 : switching the output to different electrodes, e.g. sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1253 : monopolar
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/126 : bipolar
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1273 : including multiple generators in one device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1467 : using more than two electrodes on a single probe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1472 : for use with liquid electrolyte, e.g. virtual electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3614 : using optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3782 : transmitter or receiver in catheter or minimal invasive instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/002 : Irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/12 : Devices for heating or cooling internal body cavities
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0429 : with non-integrated distal obturators
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0481 : through the cuff wall
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1052 : for temporarily occluding a vessel for isolating a sector
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1086 : having a special balloon surface topography, e.g. pores, protuberances, spikes or grooves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1002 : characterised by balloon shape A61M25/1006, A61M25/1009 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/056 : Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/06 : for high-frequency therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/40 : Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling microwave apparatus A61N5/00; Applying radio-frequency signals
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2201/12 : Shape memory

Abstract

An apparatus to treat a uterus includes a deployable member configured to be positioned in a uterine cavity in at least a partially deployed state to define a microwave chamber in an interior of the deployable member, and removed from the uterine cavity in a non-deployed state. The deployable member is at least partially microwave energy absorbable and formed of a fluid permeable material to house and controllably release a fluidic medium from the microwave chamber when the deployable member is positioned in the uterine cavity in the at least partially deployed state. A microwave emitter is positioned in the microwave chamber, the microwave emitter is configured to be coupled to a microwave energy source and deliver microwave energy to the fluidic medium, wherein the fluidic medium transfers thermal energy from the microwave emitter to a uterine structure.

Claims

1. A apparatus to treat a uterus, comprising:

a first deployable member configured to be advancable and removable from a uterine cavity opening in a non-deployed state, the first deployable member further configured to be positioned in a uterine cavity in at least a partially deployed state to define a microwave chamber in an interior of the first deployable member, the first deployable member being at least partially microwave energy absorbable and formed of a fluid permeable material to house and controllably release a fluidic medium substantially positioned within the microwave chamber when the first deployable member is positioned in the uterine cavity in the at least partially deployed state;

a microwave emitter positioned in the microwave chamber, the microwave emitter being configured to be coupled to a microwave energy source and deliver microwave energy to the fluidic medium, wherein the fluidic medium transfers thermal energy from the microwave emitter to a uterine structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first deployable member provides a substantial confinement of microwave energy in the microwave chamber.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid permeable material includes a microwave absorbable medium.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first deployable member includes a fluid permeable member and a microwave absorbable member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the microwave absorbable member is positioned in the microwave chamber.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the microwave absorbable member is positioned adjacent to the fluid permeable member.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a microwave reflectable member coupled to the first deployable member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the microwave reflectable member has at least one of a shape, a material composition or a sufficient microwave reflectivity to enhance a heating rate of the fluidic medium in the microwave chamber.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the microwave reflectable member is positioned in the microwave chamber.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the microwave reflectable member is positioned at an exterior of the first deployable member.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first deployable member includes a microwave absorbable member.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first deployable member includes a fluid permeable member, a microwave reflectable member and a microwave absorbable member.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first deployable member includes a fluid permeable member and a microwave reflective member.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a conformable member positioned at an exterior of the first deployable member.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the conformable member is at least partially made of a fluid permeable material.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the conformable member is made of a porous material.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the conformable member is made of a microporous material.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a deployable frame member positioned in the microwave chamber.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluidic medium is an electrolytic solution.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the electrolytic solution is a saline solution.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a sensor coupled to the first deployable member.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the sensor is a thermal sensor.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:

a microwave energy source coupled to the microwave emitter; and

a feedback control configured to be coupled to the sensor and the microwave energy source.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first deployable member is a balloon.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an elongated member coupled to the first deployable member.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the elongated member includes a fluidic medium infusion lumen.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second deployable member positioned at an exterior of the first deployable member.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second deployable member is configured to be at least partially confirming to the uterine cavity in the deployed state.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second deployable member is made of a fluid permeable material.

30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second deployable member is at least partially conforming to the uterine cavity in the deployed state.

31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second deployable member is made of a fluid permeable material.

32. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a valve member coupled to the first deployable member.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the valve member provides a control flow of fluidic medium out of the microwave chamber into the second deployable member.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the valve member provides a control flow of fluidic medium into and out of the microwave chamber.

35. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first deployable member is sufficiently microwave energy reflective to provide an enhanced microwave chamber.

36. A apparatus to treat a uterus, comprising:

an introducer including an introducer lumen;

a first deployable member configured to be positioned in the introducer lumen in a non-deployed state, the first deployable member configured to be positioned in a uterine cavity and expand to a deployed state upon an introduction of a fluidic media into a microwave cavity defined by an interior of the first deployable member, the first deployable member being at least partially microwave energy absorbable and formed of a fluid permeable material to controllably release a fluidic media substantially positioned within the microwave chamber to a uterine structure; and

a microwave emitter positioned in an interior of the first deployable member, the microwave emitter being configured to be coupled to a microwave energy source and deliver microwave energy to the fluidic media, wherein the fluidic media transfers thermal energy from the microwave emitter to a uterine structure.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the introducer is flexible.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first deployable member has at least one of a shape, or a material composition to provide a substantial confinement of microwave energy in the microwave chamber.

39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the fluid permeable material includes a microwave absorbable medium.

40. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first deployable member includes a fluid permeable member and a microwave absorbable member.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the microwave absorbable member is positioned in the microwave chamber.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the microwave absorbable member is positioned adjacent to the fluid permeable member.

43. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising:

a microwave reflectable member coupled to the first deployable member.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the microwave reflectable member has at least one of a shape, a material composition or a sufficient microwave reflectivity to enhance a fluidic medium heating rate in the microwave chamber.

45. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the microwave reflectable member is positioned in the microwave chamber.

46. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the microwave reflectable member is positioned at an exterior of the first deployable member.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the first deployable member includes a micro wave absorbable member.

48. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first deployable member includes a fluid permeable member, a microwave reflectable member and a microwave absorbable member.

49. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first deployable member includes a fluid permeable member and a microwave reflective member.

50. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising:

a conformable member positioned at an exterior of the first deployable member.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the conformable member is at least partially made of a fluid permeable material.

52. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the conformable member is made of a porous material.

53. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the conformable member is made of a microporous material.

54. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising:

a deployable frame member positioned in the microwave chamber.

55. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the fluidic medium is an electrolytic solution.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the electrolytic solution is a saline solution.

57. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising:

a sensor coupled to the first deployable member.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the sensor is a thermal sensor.

59. The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising:

a microwave energy source coupled to the microwave emitter and a feedback control configured to be coupled to the sensor and the microwave energy source.

60. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first deployable member is a balloon.

61. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising:

an elongated member coupled to the first deployable member.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the elongated member includes a fluidic medium infusion lumen.

63. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising:

a second deployable member positioned at an exterior of the first deployable member.

64. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising:

a valve member coupled to the first deployable member.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the valve member provides a control flow of fluidic medium out of the microwave chamber into the second deployable member.

66. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first deployable member is sufficiently microwave energy reflective to provide an enhanced microwave chamber.