US 6,042,590 A · Apparatus and methods for fallopian tube occlusion

Abstract

A sterilization device (10) is provided having a flexible housing element (12) that is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the lumen of the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube, a heating element (14) carried by the housing element adjacent to its distal end, and an energy source (18) coupled to the heating element such that when the energy source is energized the temperature of the heating element will be increased. A procedure is described for inserting the sterilization device (10) through the uterus and into the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube where the heating element (14) is energized and the heat generated destroys the mucosal layer and damages the muscular layer of the fallopian tube wall inducing sufficient scarification to occlude the fallopian tube.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A sterilization method for inducing the formation of scar tissue to occlude a fallopian tube, said method comprising:

providing a flexible housing element, said housing element carrying a heating element adjacent to a distal end of the housing element;
inserting the distal end of the housing element into a fallopian tube such that the heating element is juxtaposed with a wall of an isthmic portion of the fallopian tube;
and
energizing the heating element with a source of direct current to generate an increased temperature of the heating element for a time period sufficient to induce scarification of a segment of the muscular layer of the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube wall, said segment greater than 1 cm in length.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and methods for fallopian tube occlusion

Life of this patent

Apparatus and methods for fallopian tube occlusion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6