Apparatus and method for sterilization and embolization
US6066139A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N7/02
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for transcervical sterilization or transcatheter embolization with a controlled bipolar RF catheter for creating thermal lesions in the fallopian tubes or thrombosing vessels has a catheter elongate along an axis thereof with a patient end. The catheter is circular and sized for transcervical insertion into the fallopian tube or transcatheter vessel insertion, respectively. A connector on an end of the catheter opposite the patient end has the terminations for RF and monitoring and is shaped for the surgeon to manipulate during placement and withdrawal. Two or more bipolar electrodes on the patient end are placed so each electrode is spaced from another with each circumscribing the catheter. A mucosa or thrombus sensor responsive to applied RF energy passing between the two or more bipolar electrodes determines the condition of the transmural formation of a lesion or the thrombus between each of the electrodes. The sensor is a temperature sensor positioned in the space between the electrodes measures the change in mucosal layer temperature or the thrombus during the application of RF energy. An RF generator electrically coupled to the electrodes and the sensor is alter…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.