US 5,704,934 A · Heated ballon medical apparatus with fluid agitating means

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. An agitator circulates the fluid within the distendable bladder to help keep the fluid at a uniform temperature.

Claims23

Dependent claims

An apparatus for effecting necrosis of a 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;
control means connected to said distal end and communicating with said proximal end and said heating means for regulating the inflating and heating of said bladder;
agitating means for agitating said inflation medium positioned internal to said bladder;
and
control means connected to said distal end and communicating with said agitating means for regulating agitation of said inflation medium.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Heated ballon medical apparatus with fluid agitating means

Life of this patent

Heated ballon medical apparatus with fluid agitating means

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23