US6042590A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and methods for fallopian tube occlusion
Assignee: The University of Texas System
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Filing: 1997-06-16
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Granted: 2000-03-28
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Expires: 2017-06-16
Abstract
Abstract A sterilization device (10) is provided having a flexible housing element (12) that is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the lumen of the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube, a heating element (14) carried by the housing element adjacent to its distal end, and an energy source (18) coupled to the heating element such that when the energy source is energized the temperature of the heating element will be increased. A procedure is described for inserting the sterilization device (10) through the uterus and into the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube where the heating element (14) is energized and the heat generated destroys the mucosal layer and damages the muscular layer of the fallopian tube wall inducing sufficient scarification to occlude the fallopian tube.
Inventors
- 👤 Stefan Sporri
- 👤 Brent Bell
- 👤 Ashok Gowda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 04:32
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/12; A61B17/12022; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/08; A61F; A61F6/00; A61F6/20; A61F6/22; A61F6/225
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A sterilization method for inducing the formation of scar tissue to occlude a fallopian tube, said method comprising: providing a flexible housing element, said housing element carrying a heating element adjacent to a distal end of the housing element; inserting the distal end of the housing element into a fallopian tube such that the heating element is juxtaposed with a wall of an isthmic portion of the fallopian tube; and energizing the heating element with a source of direct current to generate an increased temperature of the heating element for a time period sufficient to induce scarification of a segment of the muscular layer of the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube wall, said segment greater than 1 cm in length.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A sterilization method for inducing the formation of scar tissue to occlude a fallopian tube, said method comprising: providing a flexible housing element, said housing element carrying a heating element adjacent to a distal end of the housing element; inserting the distal end of the housing element into a fallopian tube such that the heating element is juxtaposed with a wall of an isthmic portion of the fallopian tube; and energizing the heating element with a source of direct current to generate an increased temperature of the heating element for a time period sufficient to induce scarification of a segment of the muscular layer of the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube wall, said segment greater than 1 cm in length.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said increased temperature is from about 50° C. to about 100° C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said time period is from about 1 min. to about 3 min.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said segment of muscular layer is approximately 3 cm in length.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of injecting a fluid from an aperture in the distal end of the housing element during the insertion of the housing element into the fallopian tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said heating element is energized with a battery.
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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) | 2003-03-28 | 2003-09-27 | 2004-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-28 | 2007-09-27 | 2008-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-28 | 2011-09-27 | 2012-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |