Devices and methods for occlusion of the uterine arteries

A system for treating disorders in a human female, which receive blood from at least one of the uterine arteries, by effecting at least partial occlusion of a uterine artery, comprising:

• a locating cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, said locating cannula including a locating device positioned adjacent said distal end, said locating device capable of sensing the location of anatomical structures in at least a sensing plane when energized;
• and
• a tissue penetrating cannula having a distal end and including a tissue penetrating member, said tissue penetrating cannula being movable independent from and relative to said locating cannula between a retracted position and a extended position, said tissue penetrating member distal end being substantially in said sensing plane when said tissue penetrating member is in said extended position.

A method of treating a disorder that receives blood from at least one uterine artery by at least partially cutting off the blood supply to said disorder, comprising the steps of:

• penetrating tissue to reach a point adjacent said uterine artery;
• and
• occluding said uterine artery to at least partially cut of the blood supply to said disorder.