Removable fallopian tube plug and associated methods

A method for blocking a fallopian tube of a mammal comprising the steps of:

• grasping a fallopian tube plug at a proximal end, the plug comprising:
• an elongated shaft member having a diameter dimensioned for insertion into a human fallopian tube, the shaft having means for being imaged located adjacent a distal end and a proximal end;
• and
• a plurality of flexible disclike protrusions affixed in generally normal orientation along at least a portion of the shaft, the protrusions movable between a first position wherein a periphery thereof is generally adjacent the shaft and a second position extending radially outward therefrom, the protrusions biased to the second position and adapted for closely engaging the fallopian tube, the protrusions further arrayed axially so as to form a barrier sufficient to prevent a passage of an ovum or a spermatozoa in an axial direction;
• inserting the plug through the cervix and into the ostium, the protrusions moving toward the second position to closely engage the fallopian tube wall;
• releasing the plug proximal end;
• and
• leaving the plug within the fallopian tube.

A method for blocking a fallopian tube of a mammal comprising the steps of:

• determining a patency of a fallopian tube;
• wedging a catheter into a cornual angle of the fallopian tube;
• determining a patency of the fallopian tube with the catheter wedged therein;
• removing the catheter;
• grasping a fallopian tube plug at a proximal end, the plug comprising:
• an elongated shaft member having a diameter dimensioned for insertion into a human fallopian tube, the shaft having means for being imaged located adjacent a distal end and a proximal end;
• and
• a plurality of flexible disclike protrusions affixed in generally normal orientation along at least a portion of the shaft, the protrusions movable between a first position wherein a periphery thereof is generally adjacent the shaft and a second position extending radially outward therefrom, the protrusions biased to the second position and adapted for closely engaging the fallopian tube, the protrusions further arrayed axially so as to form a barrier sufficient to prevent a passage of an ovum or a spermatozoa in an axial direction;
• inserting the plug through the cervix and into the ostium, the protrusions moving toward the second position to closely engage the fallopian tube wall;
• releasing the plug proximal end;
• and
• leaving the plug within the fallopian tube.