Methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues
Inventors
ZARINS, Denise Marie • BARMAN, Neil Chand • SCHWAB, Garrett Marc • Wu, Andrew
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11045244-B2
Publication Date
2021-06-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may also be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for performing an ovarian procedure configured for use with a transvaginal probe comprising a handle and an ultrasound transducer. The system includes an ovarian tissue apparatus that docks to ovarian tissue using a docking device having an elongate body, a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion, and a distal portion with an opening disposed proximal to a needle tip. The docking device defines a lumen therethrough and includes an anchoring member configured for reciprocation within the lumen, with a distal region transitioning to a curved shape when extended through the opening into ovarian tissue.
A therapeutic element is disposed on the distal region of the anchoring member, and a lock at the proximal portion locks the docking device so the therapeutic element is deployable in a first orientation relative to the transvaginal probe for energy emission into the ovarian tissue. The lock is further configured to lock the docking device so the therapeutic element is deployable in a second orientation relative to the transvaginal probe, with a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis from the first orientation, for further energy emission into the ovarian tissue. This enables selectable deployment orientations of the therapeutic element during an ovarian procedure.
The system further includes a generator configured to supply energy to the therapeutic element to cause the therapeutic element to emit energy into the ovarian tissue for the ovarian procedure. The disclosed arrangements additionally support maintaining therapeutic elements within an ultrasound visualization plane while allowing controlled limited rotation and limited translation even when locked, including planar orientation switching for two planar treatment orientations and a lock/removably affixed alignment arrangement having a receiving alignment channel. The arrangements also describe needle-guide “zero point” tactile and/or visual feedback and a handle travel-limiting mechanism with an adjustable maximum travel distance.
Claims Coverage
The partial document includes one independent claim directed to an ovarian procedure system using a transvaginal probe and an ovarian tissue apparatus with a docking device, an anchoring member, a therapeutic element, and a generator. The independent claim includes the principal inventive architecture of docking, anchoring, and selectable two-orientation deployment of the therapeutic element for energy emission, and it is further refined by dependent claims emphasizing particular energy modality constraints and docking/therapeutic structure details.
Ovarian procedure system with transvaginal probe docking and two-orientation therapeutic deployment
A system configured for use in combination with a transvaginal probe having a handle and an ultrasound transducer, comprising an ovarian tissue apparatus with a docking device that pierces a vaginal wall and an ovarian wall, an anchoring member disposed for reciprocation within a lumen and transitioning to a curved shape, a therapeutic element disposed on the anchoring member distal region, and a lock at a proximal portion configured to lock deployment of the therapeutic element in a first orientation and in a second orientation having a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis for further energy emission into the ovarian tissue.
Generator to supply energy to the therapeutic element for ovarian tissue energy emission
A generator configured to supply energy to the therapeutic element to cause the therapeutic element to emit energy into the ovarian tissue for the ovarian procedure.
Across the independent claim, the core coverage is an ovarian procedure system that docks to the ovary via a docking device and uses an anchoring member and a locked deployment mechanism to place a therapeutic element in selectable first and second orientations for energy emission into ovarian tissue, powered by a generator.
Stated Advantages
Maintains therapeutic elements within an ultrasound visualization plane while allowing controlled limited rotation and limited translation even when locked.
Supports planar orientation switching for two planar treatment orientations.
Provides needle-guide “zero point” tactile and/or visual feedback.
Includes a handle travel-limiting mechanism with an adjustable maximum travel distance.
Documented Applications
Performing an ovarian procedure using a transvaginal ultrasound probe together with an ovarian tissue apparatus that delivers energy from a therapeutic element to ovarian tissue.
Treat infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome by supplying energy so the therapeutic element emits energy into ovarian tissue.
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