Apparatus and method for transcervical sterilization by application of ultrasound

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6972018
APP PUB NO 20040002700A1
SERIAL NO

10185417

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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An apparatus for sterilizing a female patient in a transcervical procedure comprises an elongated catheter with a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer at its distal end. The catheter is inserted transcervically into the uterus and guided to the intramural region of a fallopian tube. The transducer is inserted into the intramural region in direct contact with the surrounding tissue. The transducer produces a radially dispersing acoustical wave front, heating the adjacent tissue and forming a thermal lesion therein. A fibrous tissue forms during the healing process, sealing the fallopian tube. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a movable thermal sensor for monitoring the tissue temperature at multiple locations along the lesion. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a spring that centers the distal end of the catheter at the opening of the fallopian tube and provides a tactile means to determine that the catheter and transducer have been correctly positioned.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
ETHICON INC1000 U S ROUTE 202 RARITAN NJ 08869

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Crombie, John S East Hanover, NJ 38 4794
Ryan, Thomas P Flemington, NJ 42 9868

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