431 results about "Fallopian tube" patented technology

The invention is directed to an endoscopic assembly having an endoscope, particularly a flexible hysteroscope and an outer sheath disposed about a length of the shaft of the hysteroscope which has an expandable member such as an inflatable balloon for sealing the assembly within a body lumen or cavity. Specifically, the endoscope assembly is configured for delivery of an occlusive contraceptive member to the patient's fallopian tube. The invention is also directed to an endoscope having a driving member for movement of a medical device within the working lumen of an endoscope. In one embodiment the driving member is a friction wheel which engages an elongated medical device disposed within the working channel of the endoscope to effect longitudinal movement of the medical device.

The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port and at least one delivery catheter for placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a trocar and a reducer cap that magnetically attaches to the trocar. The trocar and the cap each include a magnetic member, at least one of which is a first magnet, and the other of which is either a second magnet or a non-magnetized magnetically permeable member. Including a magnet of sufficient strength in the trocar and/or the cap will create a magnetic field that automatically holds a surgical instrument having a magnetically permeable member at its tip in axial alignment with the cap or trocar lumen. Introduction of the surgical instrument into the lumen can be further facilitated by providing the trocar or cap lumen with a funnel-shaped opening. A lumen seal can be provided by one or more compliant toroidal seal members that expand radially inwardly when compressed axially by the magnetic attraction between the cap and trocar. The alignment feature is particularly advantageous when incorporated in a mini-trocar having a lumen on the order of 1-3 mm in diameter. In that case, a trocar cap can be a small disc magnetically attracted to the trocar to cover the lumen. Magnetic aligning devices according to the invention can be used internally of a patient or transdermally. Another embodiment of the invention is an ostium plug with a lumen therethrough that can be used in tubal sterilization. The plug is permanently implanted in the patient, but a cap is coupled magnetically to the proximal end of the plug to permit reopening of the lumen when desired.

The present invention is an apparatus and methods for selectably assessing a fallopian tube. The apparatus is a device that allows for treatment and/or the assessment of the patency of each fallopian tube independently by isolating at least one cornual regions from the uterine cavity. The method of the present invention is based on use of the device and allows for assessment of fallopian tube patency without the use of dyes of x-rays.

Methods, systems and devices for performing gynecological procedures. According to one embodiment, there is provided a device for occluding a fallopian tube, the device including an outer member and an inner member. The outer member may be a hollow, frusto-conical structure shaped to include an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a side wall. The outer member may be self-expandable such that the distal end is biased radially outwardly. In addition, the side wall may have a porous structure to permit the ingrowth of tissue therethrough. Tines may be provided on the outer surface of the side wall to promote the anchoring of the outer member in a fallopian tube. The inner member, which may be structured to induce scarring, may comprise an elongated fibrous body fixed at its proximal end to the proximal end of the outer member. A bore may extend distally from the proximal end of the inner member to receive a delivery rod. The inner member, which may have pores or interstices to permit the ingrowth of tissue thereinto, is coated or impregnated with a sclerosing agent.

The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes

Devices, such as medical devices for inhibiting conception, and methods of using and/or making these devices. In one aspect of the disclosure, a medical device has a delivery system and a first insert, which is removably coupled to the delivery system and which is designed to be deployed within a portion of a first fallopian tube, and a second insert, which is removably coupled to the delivery system and which is designed to be deployed within a portion of a second fallopian tube. Other aspects of the disclosure include, among other things, inserts made from one or more polymers; inserts which are designed to pierce and remain in place; and inserts which are implanted through a fluid delivery system.

The subject invention pertains to an elastic sheath, device, and methods for disrupting and/or removing occlusive material from lumens, particularly biological lumens, such as the vasculature, ureter, urethra, fallopian tubes, bile duct, intestines, and the like. The subject invention provides for effective disruption and removal of occlusive material, such as a thrombus, from the body lumen with minimal risk of injury to the lumen wall. Advantageously, the invention can be used to achieve a high degree of removal while minimizing the amount of occlusive material that is released into the body lumen. The subject invention further pertains to methods for disrupting and removing occlusive material from a biological lumen. In another aspect, the present invention concerns a device useful as an in vitro model of luminal occlusion and methods for using the device to test the efficacy of devices and methods for treating luminal occlusions.

A uterine access catheter system comprises an inner catheter and a catheter sleeve slidably disposed over the inner catheter. Initial access to the uterus is accomplished by positioning the inner catheter through the cervix with the sleeve remaining outside of the cervix. After inflating a balloon near the distal end of the inner catheter, contrast media can be injected and hysterosalpingography performed. Should the initial hysterosalpingography be unsuccessful, direct access to the fallopian tubes can be achieved by further inserting the sleeve catheter through the cervix, removing the inner catheter, and utilizing a uterine catheter and fallopian catheter for accessing the fallopian tubes.

A contraceptive device for placement in a fallopian tube includes expanding distal and proximal anchor members and an expandable elongate member connecting the distal anchor member to the proximal anchor member. An expandable material is disposed on at least a portion of the contraceptive device, whereupon delivery of the contraceptive device, the expandable material expands to completely occlude the fallopian tube. The expandable material may contain a drug, therapeutic agent, or hormone which is released over time to occlude or otherwise prevent the passage of spermazoa through the fallopian tube, or prevent ovulation. The contraceptive device may be delivered non-operatively and provide complete sterilization within a period of days. The device and delivery method obviates the need for follow-up visits to confirm closure of the fallopian tubes.

A method and apparatus for treatment of diseases of a breast, fallopian tube and female reproductive organs by injecting/delivering a treatment substance/chemo-gel, directly into the target tissue of the body organ, and thereby leaving the remaining body organs relatively unaffected. Specific formulations and composition of treatment substances are provided. The typical treatment substance/chemo-gel formulations contain at least two principle components including an active treatment (therapy) substance, and an inactive binding (carrier) substance for thickening the treatment substance. Specific substance formulations are provided, including a range of recommended dosage levels for optimum treatment of a specific disease of a female reproductive organ. Injection/delivery apparatus and methods, and apparatus for guiding its placement are also provided.

A device for occluding the fallopian tube comprising a retention member and a mesh material supported by the retention member. The retention member has a first lower profile configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the fallopian tube. The mesh material is configured to block passage of an egg through the tube. The member has a plurality of tube engagement members to secure the retention member to the fallopian tube.

One method for performing procedures, such as vaginal hysterectomies, comprises engaging first and second energy transmitting elements against a lateral side of a uterus. The first and second energy transmitting elements are positioned against opposed surfaces of a tissue mass extending from and including a fallopian tube or round ligament to a tip of a cervix. Third and fourth energy transmitting elements are positioned against another lateral side of the uterus and against opposed surfaces of another tissue mass extending from and including another fallopian tube or round ligament to the tip of the cervix. Radio frequency or other high energy power is applied through the energy transmitting elements to the tissue masses. The power is applied for a time and in an amount sufficient to coagulate and seal the tissue masses within the energy transmitting elements. The coagulated tissue masses are then resected and the entire uterus removed.