Intrauterine cauterizing apparatus
AssigneeGynelab Products
InventorsRobert S. Neuwirth, Lee R. Bolduc
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining of a mammalian body cavity, particularly a uterine endometrium, by introducing an applicator comprising a distendable bladder connected to a catheter into the uterus, distending the bladder by introducing a non-toxic fluid under pressure, heating the fluid by means located internal to the bladder to a temperature of 190.degree. to 215.degree. F. and preferably 210.degree. F. for a period of 4 to 12 minutes and preferably 6 minutes and regulating said apparatus by means located external to the uterus, thereby cauterizing substantially the entirety of the tissue lining, particularly the endometrium.
Claims20
An apparatus for effecting necrosis of an uterine endometrium comprising:
- a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a distendable bladder means attached to said proximal end for insertion into and distending the uterus;
- inflating means connected to said distal end for introducing an inflation medium into said bladder;
- heating means for heating said inflation medium to a temperature sufficient to effect tissue necrosis positioned internal to said bladder;
- and
- control means connected to said distal end for regulating the inflating and heating of said bladder.
An apparatus for effecting necrosis of a tissue lining in a body cavity comprising:
- a catheter comprising a length of flexible tubing having a distal end and a proximal end;
- a bladder means for insertion into and distending the body cavity attached to a proximal end;
- inflating means connected to said distal end for introducing an inflation medium through said flexible tubing and into said bladder;
- a heating means for heating said inflation medium to a temperature sufficient to effect tissue necrosis positioned internal to said bladder;
- and
- control means connected to said distal end for regulating inflation and heating of said bladder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.