Fallopian Tube Occlusion via RF Ablation and Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fallopian tube occlusion methods for sterilization, such as those using flexible coil-like devices, raise concerns about long-term unknown effects due to tissue in-growth, and there is a need for a minimally invasive, effective, and permanent solution.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system and implant device that uses RF energy to ablate a thin layer of tissue in the fallopian tube, followed by trauma induction to promote adhesion formation, permanently closing the tube through a wound healing response, with features like a moveable device body, adhesion-producing surfaces, and energy delivery capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible coil-like devices made of polyester fibers and metal wires are placed into the fallopian tubes, then the fallopian tubes can be occluded through tissue in-growth, but there are potential unknown long-term effects due to tissue in-growth into the implanted devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the foreign body (implantable device) from the system entirely. Instead of placing flexible coil-like devices that require long-term presence in the fallopian tube, the method uses energy delivery (RF, microwave, or ultrasound) to create immediate thermal damage and subsequent adhesion formation, eliminating the need for persistent foreign material and its associated long-term unknown effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical implantation approach (physically placing coil devices that rely on tissue in-growth over time) with an energy-based approach. RF energy, microwave energy, or ultrasound energy is delivered to thermally damage the fallopian tube tissue, creating immediate occlusion through adhesion formation without requiring mechanical foreign bodies to remain in place.
2Ease of operation
If a minimally invasive trans-cervical approach is used to introduce a device into the uterine cavity, then the procedure is less invasive, but the device must be able to effectively deliver energy and create trauma to produce adhesion formation
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter device is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure: it delivers RF energy via electrodes, provides mechanical trauma through expandable elements or cutting surfaces, and facilitates adhesion formation. This multi-functionality allows the minimally invasive approach to achieve effective occlusion without requiring multiple separate devices or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements that can change state during the procedure. The catheter can be introduced in a collapsed or flexible state for easy insertion through the cervix, then expanded or activated within the uterine cavity to deliver energy and create trauma. The expandable elements or movable cutting surfaces transition from a compact insertion configuration to an active treatment configuration, enabling minimally invasive access while maintaining effective occlusion capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides a minimally invasive, effective, and permanent occlusion of the fallopian tubes, ensuring reliable sterilization with rapid adhesion formation and bio-absorption of the implant, reducing long-term concerns associated with tissue in-growth.
Implementation Method 1
RF energy is used to ablate a thin layer of tissue in a segment of a fallopian tube which can be performed very rapidly, for example in 5 to 60 seconds
Implementation Method 2
A second step of the method involves cutting or damaging tissue within the segment to cause trauma, including but not limited to irritation, bleeding, burning, separation, etc. where such trauma leads to a subsequent adhesion formation across the area of injury
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide permanent or extended birth control or sterilization.