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Method and apparatus for tubal occlusion

  • US 6,309,384 B1
  • Filed: 02/01/1999
  • Issued: 10/30/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of occluding the ovarian pathway of a female body, wherein the ovarian pathway is lined by an epithelium layer on the inner surface of the ovarian pathway, and the lamina propria underlies the epithelial layer, and a layer of circular muscle underlies the lamina propria, and a layer of longitudinal muscle tissue underlies the circular muscle tissue, said method comprising the steps of:

  • applying a catheter-mounted RF electrode array to a target segment of the ovarian pathway and operating the catheter-mounted RF electrode array to generate RF energy which causes a wound in the segment of the ovarian pathway that necroses the epithelial layer;

    limiting the severity of the wound to avoid necrosis of the longitudinal muscle layer;

    controlling the RF energy applied to the ovarian pathway by maintaining a temperature in the ovarian pathway in the range of 52-58°

    C. for 40-60 seconds installing a foam plug comprising a reticulated foam into the wounded segment of the pathway; and

    allowing the wounded segment of the pathway to heal with the foam plug installed.

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