Method and device for uterine fibroid treatment
AssigneeGynesonics, Inc.
InventorJessica Grossman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the sheath is steered to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location. The needle is then anchored in uterine tissue and the fibroid treated with the needle.
Claims30
A method for minimally invasive treatment of uterine fibroids, said method comprising:
- introducing a sheath into a uterus;
- determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath;
- steering a portion of the sheath to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location;
- anchoring the needle in uterine tissue;
- and
- treating the fibroid with the needle.
A method as in claim 11, wherein the ablative energy comprises radiofrequency energy, microwave energy, laser energy, cryo energy, ultrasound energy, HIFU, or radiation.
A method as in claim 12, wherein the ablative energy comprises radiofrequency energy delivered in a bipolar or monopolar fashion.
Minimally invasive device for fibroid treatment, said device comprising:
- a sheath adapted for transcervical introduction into a uterus;
- a visualization element within or on a steerable portion of the sheath, the visualization element capable of determining a location of a fibroid on a wall of the uterus while the sheath is in the uterus;
- and
- at least one self-anchoring treatment needle on or within the sheath, the needle being deployable against a fibroid whose position has been located by the visualization element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.