Laser Waveguide for Fallopian Tube Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization methods for permanent contraception, such as tubal ligation and vasectomy, are invasive, carry risks like infection and anesthesia complications, and may not provide precise control over tissue damage, while alternative methods relying on tissue growth or electrical coagulation are not highly effective or efficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser radiation sources operating at specific wavelengths between 980 and 1950 nm, delivered via treatment waveguides with radial or cylindrical tips, to endoluminally treat fallopian tubes or vas deferens, minimizing tissue damage and absorption by surrounding tissues, and allowing for precise control and minimally invasive procedures without general anesthesia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical sterilization (tubal ligation) is performed, then permanent contraception is achieved, but the procedure requires abdominal incision and general anesthesia which increases surgical risks and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical cutting and tying methods with laser energy delivery. The laser device delivers radiation energy through the tube wall to create controlled thermal damage and closure, eliminating the need for mechanical incisions, ligatures, and general anesthesia while achieving permanent contraception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser delivery device with a balloon or expandable element as an intermediary. This intermediary is positioned within the tube lumen and used to deliver laser energy uniformly around the tube circumference, enabling controlled thermal damage and closure without external surgical manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If laparoscopic tubal ligation is performed, then sterilization is achieved with smaller incisions, but incisions are still required which carry infection and bleeding risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical laparoscopic instruments and incisions with a trans-cervical or trans-vaginal laser delivery system. The laser device is introduced through natural body orifices without requiring skin incisions, eliminating infection and bleeding risks associated with surgical cuts while achieving tubal sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sterilization function from the surgical incision process. By delivering laser energy through natural orifices or existing access points, the procedure separates the sterilization effect from the harmful incision, achieving contraception without cutting the skin.
3Reliability
If electrical coagulation is used for tubal ligation, then tissue sealing is achieved, but precise control over damage extent is difficult and collateral damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering laser energy through a balloon or expandable element that contacts only the internal surface of the tube. The energy is confined to the tube wall at the treatment site, creating localized thermal damage and closure without affecting surrounding tissues, thereby achieving precise control over the extent and location of tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through temperature sensors or energy delivery control systems that monitor the coagulation process in real-time. This allows adjustment of laser power and delivery duration to achieve complete tissue sealing while preventing excessive damage, providing precise control over the treatment outcome.
4Reliability
If bulbous heat generating device is used to close fallopian tube, then tissue coagulation is achieved, but the device may damage or perforate tissue walls during positioning and requires prolonged contact time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed laser energy delivery instead of continuous heat application. The laser is delivered in controlled pulses or cycles, allowing tissue coagulation to proceed efficiently without requiring prolonged device contact time, thereby reducing procedure duration while maintaining closure effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bulbous heat generating device with a laser delivery system that can be positioned remotely or through a minimally invasive access point. The laser energy is delivered through a thin catheter or balloon without requiring a large bulbous device that needs extensive positioning time, reducing procedural complexity and time.
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
This approach enables safe, efficient, and effective permanent contraception with reduced scarring and no need for long-term hormone administration, significantly diminishing risks associated with traditional methods by allowing precise control over tissue damage and absorption, making the procedure safer and more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
laser radiation sources operating at specific wavelengths between 980 and 1950 nm
Implementation Method 2
absorption by surrounding tissues
Implementation Method 3
endoluminally treat fallopian tubes or vas deferens
Data Source
AI summary
Minimally invasive methods and devices for endoluminally treating female fallopian tubes or male vas deferens of mammals are presented as a permanent method of contraception. In preferred embodiments, medical devices for male and female sterilization comprise laser radiation source operating at one or more preselected wavelengths between about 980 nm and about 1950 nm, preferably at least one of 980 nm, 1470 nm and 1950 nm; treatment waveguide with a radial or cylindrical radiation emitting tip; viewing scope; and a temperature sensor. In another preferred embodiment, a minimally-invasive permanent contraception method for males and females comprises the steps of introducing at least one treatment waveguide in a body cavity; positioning the treatment waveguide inside a body cavity; irradiating; and repeating the procedure in companion body cavity to inhibit fertilization. In another embodiment, fluids are infused and/or extracted after, before or during the procedure to enhance laser energy absorption and enhance efficiency of laser treatment.