Occlusion of Fallopian Tubes

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for inducing Fallopian tube blockage as a means for female contraception. The method comprises contacting the inner surface tissue of a Fallopian tube with a silver nitrate bearing substrate, delivering an amount of silver nitrate to the tissue sufficient to induce blockage of the Fallopian tube. Preferably, the substrate is a bead. In one embodiment, at least one silver nitrate bearing bead is introduced through the uterine opening of the Fallopian tube by use of a catheter or other device suitable for manipulating the bead. Alternatively, a plurality of beads can be introduced into the Fallopian tube. In a preferred embodiment, one or more silver nitrate bearing beads are arranged on a string to facilitate later removal of the beads. The method of the present invention delivers an amount of silver nitrate to the tissue sufficient to cause tissue necrosis and blockage of the Fallopian tube. The silver nitrate is delivered to the tissue by the substrate in a controlled and localized manner.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.