Method and apparatus for tubal occlusion
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device for sterilization of a female comprising:
- a catheter having a distal end adapted for insertion through the vagina and cervical canal and into the uterine tube of the female;
a detachable nonexpandable plug releasably mounted to the distal end of the catheter;
means for applying energy to the uterine tube, through the plug; and
a release mechanism capable of releasing the non-expandable plug from the distal end of the catheter;
wherein said plug is configured to fit entirely within the uterine tube and wherein said means for applying energy is capable of applying energy to the plug sufficient to cause damage to the uterine tube.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for sterilizing females by occluding the uterotubal junction. The device includes a catheter with a releasable heat generating plug which is used to thermally damage the uterotubal junction and cause it to constrict around the plug, after which the plug is released from the catheter and left in place in the uterotubal junction.
92 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A device for sterilization of a female comprising:
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a catheter having a distal end adapted for insertion through the vagina and cervical canal and into the uterine tube of the female; a detachable nonexpandable plug releasably mounted to the distal end of the catheter; means for applying energy to the uterine tube, through the plug; and a release mechanism capable of releasing the non-expandable plug from the distal end of the catheter; wherein said plug is configured to fit entirely within the uterine tube and wherein said means for applying energy is capable of applying energy to the plug sufficient to cause damage to the uterine tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A device for sterilization of a female comprising:
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a catheter having a distal end adapted for insertion through the vagina and cervical canal and into the uterotubal junction of the female; a detachable no-expandable plug releasably mounted to the distal end of the catheter; means for applying energy to the uterotubal junction, through the plug; and a release mechanism capable of releasing the no-expandable plug from the distal end of the catheter; wherein said plug is configured to fit entirely within the uterotubal junction and wherein said means for applying energy is capable of applying energy to the plug sufficient to cause damage to the uterotubal junction. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A device for sterilization of a female comprising:
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a catheter having a distal end adapted for insertion through the vagina and cervical canal and into the uterus of the female; a detachable non-expandable plug with at least one electrode mounted on the plug wherein the plug is releasably mounted to the distal end of the catheter; and a release mechanism capable of releasing the no-expandable plug from the distal end of the catheter; wherein said plug is configured to fit within the uterotubal junction and wherein said electrode is capable of applying energy to the plug sufficient to cause damage to the uterotubal junction. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A device for sterilization of a female comprising:
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a catheter having a detachable non-expanding plug releasably mounted on the distal end of the catheter; and a release mechanism capable of releasing the plug from the distal end of the catheter; wherein said plug is configured to fit within the uterotubal junction and wherein an electrode in the plug is capable of applying energy to the plug sufficient to cause damage to the uterotubal junction; wherein the release mechanism comprises at least one tang extending from the plug into the catheter, said tang being resiliently biased toward the center of the catheter; at least one receiving hole disposed within the catheter near the distal end of the catheter for receiving the tang to lock the plug to the catheter; a slidable core extending from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal end of the catheter, said slidable core having a distal end with a first diameter, said slidable core disposed within the catheter and extending into obstructing relationship with the tang, thereby preventing the tang from resiliently bending toward the center of the catheter when obstructed by the core and maintaining the tang engaged with the receiving hole, said slidable core being slidable distally to move out of obstructing relationship with the tang; a bore within the plug, said bore having a first diameter; and a distally extending segment on the core, said distally extending segment extending from the distal end and having a second diameter smaller than he first diameter of the distal end, said second diameter sufficient to permit the distally extending segment to fit within the bore of the electrode. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification