Device for thermal ablation of a cavity
US7419500B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/046
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for causing necrosis of tissue and specifically intended for thermal ablation of the uterine cavity to cauterizing the endometrial tissue. The apparatus includes a liquid-tight, liquid filled system having a distal flexible member; a proximal flexible member; and a catheter joining and providing a liquid path between these distal and proximal members. The apparatus further includes a pressurizable pneumatic chamber into which the proximal flexible member is inserted and a means to controllably heat the contents of the pneumatic chamber. The system operates to: first withdraw substantially all of the liquid into the proximal flexible member contained within the pressurizable pneumatic chamber; second to heat this liquid to a temperature such that it can cause tissue necrosis; and third to force the heated liquid from the proximal flexible member into the distal flexible member where it is maintained for a predetermined time and at a predetermined pressure. Where this distal member has been inserted into a uterine cavity or is otherwise is in contact with living tissue, the presence of the heated liquid results in tissue necrosis and cauterization.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.