Gynecological ablation system with laparoscopic and ultrasound imaging

Abstract

A method for treating pelvic tumors, such as uterine leiomyomata, includes inserting an ablation apparatus into a pelvic region and positioning the ablation apparatus either proximate or into a pelvic tumor. The method further includes using a laparoscope and an imaging device, such as an ultrasound machine, to confirm the location of the pelvic tumor and placement of the ablation apparatus. Various ablation apparatuses may be used, including those with multiple needles or deployable arms that are inserted into the pelvic tumor and those without arms. The method further includes delivering electromagnetic energy or other energy through the ablation apparatus to the pelvic tumor to ablate the tumor. A surgical system for ablating pelvic tumors is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a procedure and system for treating gynecological disorders. More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment of pelvic tumors. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Benign and malignant tumors can occur in the pelvis. For example, uterine leiomyomata, are muscle cell tumors that occur in 77% of women in the reproductive years. Although uterine leiomyomata rarely (0.1%) progress to cancer, these tumors can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding, pregnancy loss, infertility, urinary frequency, and pelvic pressure or pain with sexual activity, menses, or daily activities. Women with uterine leiomyomata frequently incur surgical procedures (e.g., hysterectomy, dilatation and curettage, myomectomy, and hysteroscopy), medical and hormonal therapies, office visits, and a variety of radiologic procedures (e.g., ultrasounds, CAT scans, and MRIs), in an effort to treat these tumors. Uterine leiomyoma...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The present invention, also referred to as “the Halt procedure,” is an innovative, outpatient procedure that utilizes electromagnetic energy to effectively ablate pelvic tumors. The invention employs an ablation device that uses radio-frequency (RF) energy to treat pelvic tumors, while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. Although the ablation device utilized in the present invention has FDA approval for ablation of soft tissue tumors, no known reports exist in the medical literature of the ablation device's application to uterine leiomyomata or other pelvic tumors. In addition, current results indicate that, compared to other conservative therapies, the present method is very effective. Thus far, the present invention has provided relief from all of the types of symptoms caused by pelvic tumors, such as uterine leiomyomata. Furthermore, the present invention is versatile, safe, and well-accepted by patients. Advantages of the present invention include a quick recovery time, typically no more than a week, and significant cost savings. More importantly, the present invention provides a practical and efficient way to achieve uterine conservation on an out-patient basis.

Problems solved by technology

Although uterine leiomyomata rarely (0.1%) progress to cancer, these tumors can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, irregular bleeding, pregnancy loss, infertility, urinary frequency, and pelvic pressure or pain with sexual activity, menses, or daily activities.

These methods necessarily destroy normal overlying tissue in order to treat the underlying tumor.

As a result, the integrity of the uterus is compromised, and harmful scar tissue (e.g., adhesions) may occur.

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