Fallopian tube occlusion device

• US 7,992,565 B2
• Filed: 05/09/2008
• Issued: 08/09/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: REX Medical LP
• Original Assignee: REX Medical LP
• Inventors: Schaller, David M., McGuckin, James F. Jr., Bressler, James Erich
• Primary Examiner(s): Bianco; Patricia M
• Assistant Examiner(s): NELSON, KERI JESSICA
• Application Number:
  US12/151,953
• Publication Number:
  US 20080302368A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,187 Days
• Field of Search: 128/830, 128/831, 128/898, 128/843, 128/887, 606/157, 606/200, 606191-199, 604104-107
• US Class Current: 128/831
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 6/225 transcervical

Abstract

A device for occluding the fallopian tube including a retention member and a mesh material supported by the retention member. The retention member has a first lower profile configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the fallopian tube. The mesh material is configured to block passage of an egg through the tube. The member has a plurality of tube engagement members to secure the retention member to the fallopian tube.

Claims

1. A method for fallopian tube occlusion comprising the steps of:

inserting into a fallopian tube a sheath containing a retention member having a plurality of struts in a reduced profile position;

exposing the retention member from the sheath to enable the struts to expand to an expanded position to engage a wall of the fallopian tube;

subsequently inserting mesh material within a space between the plurality of struts in the expanded position in situ; and

withdrawing the sheath to leave the retention member in the fallopian tube so the mesh material fills the space within the struts to block passage of an egg through the fallopian tube.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the retention member has a plurality of shape memory struts and the step of exposing the retention member enables the struts to move toward a shape memorized position.