Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
49 words
A method of ablating a uterus, comprising the steps of: inserting an ablation device into a uterus; flowing an inflation medium into the uterus; monitoring for the presence of a perforation in the uterus using a pressure sensor; and treating the interior of the uterus using the ablation device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
49 words
A method of ablating a uterus, comprising the steps of: inserting an ablation device into a uterus; flowing an inflation medium into the uterus; monitoring for the presence of a perforation in the uterus using a pressure sensor; and treating the interior of the uterus using the ablation device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the treating step includes delivering electrical energy to the tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 , wherein the electrical energy is RF energy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the treating step includes delivering thermal energy to the tissue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the flowing step includes: passing an inflation medium through the ablation device and into the uterus; and the monitoring step includes monitoring a pressure within the uterus for a predetermined amount of time.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 , further including the step of: if a perforation is detected in the monitoring step, providing feedback alerting a user to the presence of a preforation in the uterus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , further including the step of preventing performance of the treating step until after the monitoring step has been carried out.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1 , further including the steps of: suspending performance of the treating step if a perforation is detected in the monitoring step; detecting an override signal from a user input device; and permitting treatment of the uterus using the ablation device following detection of the override signal.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of detecting a perforation in a uterus, comprising the steps of: passing an inflation medium into the uterus; monitoring for the presence of a perforation in the uterus using a pressure sensor; if no perforation is detected during the monitoring step, permitting ablation of the uterus using an ablation device; and if a perforation is detected during the monitoring step, preventing ablation of the uterus.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of detecting a perforation in a uterus, comprising the steps of: passing an inflation medium into the uterus; monitoring for the presence of a perforation in the uterus using a pressure sensor; if no perforation is detected during the monitoring step, permitting ablation of the uterus using an ablation device; and if a perforation is detected during the monitoring step, preventing ablation of the uterus.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 9 , further including the step of: if a perforation is detected during the monitoring step, detecting an override signal from a user input device and permitting treatment of the uterus using the ablation device following detection of the override signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 9 , further including the step of: if a perforation is detected during the monitoring step, activating a notification signal alerting the user to the presence of a perforation in the uterus.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the inflation medium is introduced using a medical device separate from the ablation device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the inflation medium is introduced using the ablation device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the ablation device is an RF ablation device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the ablation device is a thermal ablation device.