Biopsy and sonography method and apparatus for assessing bodily cavities

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for performing a procedure on a uterine cavity of a patient are disclosed. The methods can include visualizing the uterine cavity, biopsying a tissue with a biopsy device, and ejecting fluid from the biopsying device into the uterine cavity. The apparatuses can have a sealable acorn tip, a handle, a repositioning clip, a distal indicia, proximal indicia, and a fluid reservoir. The biopsying device can be configured to biopsy and eject fluid under the control of a single hand of a user of the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 723,114, filed 6 Nov. 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to procedures for assessing bodily cavities such as the uterine cavity. Such procedures utilize ultrasonography and the removal of bodily tissue for further pathological analysis. Methods for the assessment of the uterine cavity and endometrial lining of the uterus can be performed by the devices disclosed herein. Methods of the delivery of drugs, agents, and therapeutic devices in targeted locations of the uterus are disclosed herein. Methods for performing an endometrial biopsy and saline infusion sonography (SIS) in a simplified fashion that can enable the physician to perform these procedures while simultaneously operating ultrasonographic probes are disclosed.BACKGROUND[0003]In gynecological practice, it is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method and apparatus for performing procedures on the uterine cavity of a patient. The method includes visualizing the cavity, collecting tissue samples using a biopsy device, and delivering fluid to the cavity. The patent describes various embodiments of the biopsying device, including advanced features such as sealing the tip, rotating and withdrawing the device, and an elongated member with a rotatable clip for vaginal ultrasound probe use. The technical effects of the patent include improved visualization and targeted tissue sampling with reduced bleeding and risk of complications, making the procedure safer and more effective.

Problems solved by technology

These simple catheters have no ability to improve the distension of the uterine cavity during infusion and in a majority of cases, especially in multi-parous women, a significant amount of the fluid will escape through the cervical canal.

Typically they are not efficient in providing an adequate seal in most women since the exocervix in women can be highly irregular.

In practice this combination can be uncomfortable for the patient, especially during the manual injection of fluids or saline into the uterine cavity.

Both of these biopsy devices typically collect tissue without visualization and the devices provide no means for determining their location with the use or ultrasound of radiographic techniques.

In this situation, the physician cannot also operate the ultrasound probe and equipment and would need the assistance of a nurse and technician.

In this situation, the physician cannot also operate the ultrasound probe and equipment and would need the assistance of a nurse and technician.

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