Method and apparatus for tubal occlusion
OwnerSundaram Ravikumarinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices (plugs) for occluding fallopian tubes are disclosed. The plugs, or at least portions thereof, are made of elastomeric silicone or other biocompatible material and include a pilot hole which permits an insertion device to be used to insert the plug into the fallopian tube. The plugs of the present invention allow fallopian tubes to be rapidly occluded for birth control purposes with minimal adverse side effects. The plugs are also adapted to be removed from the fallopian tubes in a relatively simple procedure without adversely affecting the fallopian tubes.
Claims19
A device for occluding a uterine tube portion having an interior diameter, comprising:
- a body comprising a forward section having a tapered outer surface, and a flexible large diameter section adjacent said forward section having a diameter greater than the interior diameter of the uterine tube portion;
- and
- an insert disposed along a central axis of said body and mechanically attached to said body.
Apparatus for occluding a blood vessel having an interior diameter, comprising:
- a) a plug device including
- (i) a body comprising a forward section having a tapered outer surface, and a flexible large diameter section adjacent said forward section having a diameter greater than the interior diameter of the blood vessel, and
- (ii) an insert formed of hard material relative to said body, said insert extending along a longitudinal axis of said plug device;
- and
- b) an insertion device having means to attach said insert to the insertion device.
A device for occluding a uterine tube portion having an interior diameter, comprising:
- a body comprising a tapered outer surface and a flexible large diameter section having a diameter greater than the interior diameter of the uterine tube portion;
- and
- an insert into said body comprising a plurality of spring-biased prongs extending beyond said body and radially outward with respect to a central axis of said device.
A method of occluding a uterine tube portion having an interior diameter, the method comprising:
- providing a plug body comprising a tapered outer surface and a large diameter section having a diameter greater than the interior diameter of the uterine tube portion, said plug body having a central axis;
- substantially aligning said central axis of said plug body with a longitudinal axis of the uterine tube portion;
- applying an axial force to insert said plug body into said uterine tube portion;
- and
- removing said axial force such that a wall section of uterine tube portion grasps onto said plug body to hold it in place.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.