US5776129A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endometrial ablation apparatus and method
Assignee: Ethicon Endo Surgery Inc
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Filing: 1996-06-12
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Granted: 1998-07-07
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Expires: 2016-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A method of performing endometrial ablation comprising heating entire surface of the endometrium to a temperature of between 45° C. and 70° C. to destroy the cells of the endometrial lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42° C. An apparatus for performing an endometrial ablation comprising an expandable membrane such as a balloon adapted to fit within the uterus and contact the endometrial lining when expanded. A web of light diffusing fiber-optic cables arranged on the outer surface the balloon such that the web contacts the endometrial lining of the uterus when the balloon is expanded. The fiber-optic web is connected to an array of high intensity lamps via a series of fiber-optic cables. The temperature of the endometrium is monitored by a of a series of temperature sensors arranged upon the surface of the balloon.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven H. Mersch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:43
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/22; A61B18/24; A61B17/00; A61B17/42; A61B2017/4216; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00559; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for heating the inner lining of an organ, said apparatus comprising: an expandable element wherein said expandable element has an interior surface and an exterior surface and said exterior surface of said expandable element is covered by an optically reflective coating; an optically conductive diffusing material on said expandable element wherein said optically conductive diffusing material comprises a web of optical fibers; a light source connected to said optically conductive material by one or more optical conductors.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for heating the inner lining of an organ, said apparatus comprising: an expandable element wherein said expandable element has an interior surface and an exterior surface and said exterior surface of said expandable element is covered by an optically reflective coating; an optically conductive diffusing material on said expandable element wherein said optically conductive diffusing material comprises a web of optical fibers; a light source connected to said optically conductive material by one or more optical conductors.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
106 words
An apparatus for heating the interior of an organ, said apparatus comprising: an expandable element wherein said expandable element has an interior surface and an exterior surface and said exterior surface is covered, at least in part, by an optically reflective layer; an optically conductive diffusing material on said expandable element wherein said optically conductive diffusing material comprises a web of optical fibers; a light source connected to said optically conductive diffusing material by one or more optical conductors wherein said light source comprises one or more lamps; one or more temperature sensors on said expandable element wherein said one or more temperature sensors comprise thermocouples.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
106 words
An apparatus for heating the interior of an organ, said apparatus comprising: an expandable element wherein said expandable element has an interior surface and an exterior surface and said exterior surface is covered, at least in part, by an optically reflective layer; an optically conductive diffusing material on said expandable element wherein said optically conductive diffusing material comprises a web of optical fibers; a light source connected to said optically conductive diffusing material by one or more optical conductors wherein said light source comprises one or more lamps; one or more temperature sensors on said expandable element wherein said one or more temperature sensors comprise thermocouples.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said expandable element includes a web of optical fibers surrounding a balloon.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-07-06 | 2002-01-05 | 2002-07-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-07-06 | 2006-01-05 | 2006-07-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-07-06 | 2010-01-05 | 2010-07-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |