Methods for performing a medical procedure
First Claim
1. A method of performing a medical procedure, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) using a mechanical expansion structure to maintain a uterus in a distended state equivalent to that achieved by introduction of a liquid distension media at a pressure of at least 40 mm Hg; and
b) performing at least one of examining and treating tissue located within the distended uterus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods are disclosed, for performing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures at a remote site. According to one embodiment, the methods include the use of a system including an introducer designed for transcervical insertion into the uterus. The introducer is constructed to include a fluid lumen, an instrument lumen, and a visualization lumen. The system may include a fluid source, which is coupled to the fluid lumen and is used to deliver a fluid to the uterus either for washing the uterus or for fluid distension of the uterus. The system additionally includes a tissue modifying device, such as a morcellator, and a distension device for distending the uterus and/or for maintaining the uterus in a distended state. The tissue modifying device and the distension device are alternately deliverable to the uterus through the instrument lumen. The system may further include a hysteroscope deliverable to the uterus through the visualization lumen.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of performing a medical procedure, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) using a mechanical expansion structure to maintain a uterus in a distended state equivalent to that achieved by introduction of a liquid distension media at a pressure of at least 40 mm Hg; and b) performing at least one of examining and treating tissue located within the distended uterus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of performing a medical procedure, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) inserting an introducer into a body to an internal site, the introducer including a visualization lumen and an instrument lumen; b) delivering a visualization device to the internal site through the visualization lumen; c) delivering a mechanical expansion structure to the internal site; d) deploying the mechanical expansion structure to distend the internal site; e) observing the distended internal site using the visualization device; f) after delivering the mechanical expansion structure, delivering a tissue modifying device to the internal site through the instrument lumen; and g) modifying tissue at the internal site using the tissue modifying device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification