Apparatus and methods for fallopian tube occlusion
US6565557B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F6/225
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sterilization device (10) is provided having a flexible housing element (12) that is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the lumen of the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube, a heating element (14) carried by the housing element adjacent to its distal end, and an energy source (18) coupled to the heating element such that when the energy source is energized the temperature of the heating element will be increased. A procedure is described for inserting the sterilization device (10) through the uterus and into the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube where the heating element (14) is energized and the heat generated destroys the mucosal layer and damages the muscular layer of the fallopian tube wall inducing sufficient scarification to occlude the fallopian tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.