Uterine therapy device and method

• US 8,216,217 B2
• Filed: 08/22/2008
• Issued: 07/10/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aegea Medical Inc.
• Original Assignee: Aegea Medical Inc.
• Inventors: Sharkey, Hugh R., Reyes, Ramiro, Sparks, Kurt D.
• Primary Examiner(s): KOHARSKI, CHRISTOPHER
• Application Number:
  US12/197,096
• Publication Number:
  US 20090054869A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,418 Days
• Field of Search: 606 20- 26, 606/193
• US Class Current: 606/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/04 by heating by applying electromagnetic radiation A61B18/18; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields, radiation or ultrasound A61N
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3425 for internal organs, e.g. heart ports
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/4216 Operations on uterus, e.g. endometrium
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/4225 Cervix uteri
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00005 Cooling or heating of the probe or tissue immediately surrounding the probe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00285 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00559 Female reproductive organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/048 in gaseous form

Abstract

In some embodiments the method includes inserting an access tool through a cervix and a cervical canal into the uterus; placing an expansion mechanism in contact with tissue within the uterus to move uterine tissue surfaces away from an opening in an access tool lumen; delivering vapor through the vapor delivery tool into the uterus; and condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus. The system has an access tool adapted to be inserted through a cervical canal to place an opening of an access tool lumen within a uterus; an expansion mechanism adapted to be advanced into the uterus to move uterine tissue surfaces away from the opening in the access tool lumen; and a vapor delivery mechanism adapted to deliver condensable vapor through the access tool to the uterus, the condensable vapor being adapted to condense within the uterus.

Claims

1. A method of providing heat therapy to a patient'"'"'s uterus comprising:

inserting an access tool through a cervix and a cervical canal into the uterus, the access tool comprising a lumen and an opening in the lumen;

sealing an interior cervical os;

placing an expansion mechanism in contact with tissue within the uterus to move uterine tissue surfaces away from the opening in the lumen;

delivering vapor through the vapor delivery tool into the uterus; and

condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising advancing the expansion mechanism distally prior to the placing step.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein advancing the expansion mechanism distally comprises, prior to the step of delivering vapor, ceasing advancement of the expansion mechanism before a distal portion of the expansion mechanism reaches a fallopian os.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein advancing the expansion mechanism distally comprises advancing the expansion mechanism to place a distal portion of the expansion mechanism adjacent a fallopian os.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein advancing the expansion mechanism comprises moving an expansion mechanism actuator on the access tool.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the expansion mechanism comprises two expansion arms, the placing step comprising moving the expansion arms apart.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein distal portions of the expansion arms together form an obturator tip prior to the step of moving the expansion arms apart.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of delivering vapor comprises inserting a vapor delivery tool through the access tool lumen.

9. A method of providing heat therapy to a patient'"'"'s uterus comprising:

inserting an access tool through a cervix and a cervical canal into the uterus, the access tool comprising a lumen and an opening in the lumen;

placing an expansion mechanism comprising two expansion arms in contact with tissue within the uterus, wherein distal portions of the expansion arms together form an obturator tip;

advancing the expansion mechanism to place the distal portion of each arm adjacent a fallopian os;

moving the expansion arms apart to move uterine tissue surfaces away from the opening in the lumen; and

delivering vapor through the vapor delivery tool into the uterus; and

condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus.