Positioning method and apparatus for delivering vapor to the uterus

Inventors

GURSKIS, Donnell William • Peliks, Robert Bilgor • Magen, Hugh Edward • Daniels, Roxanne • Bacich, Steven Robert

Assignees

CooperSurgical Inc

Abstract

A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine ablation device into the uterus, expanding a distal anchor, inflating a proximal balloon to pull the distal anchor proximally and seat the distal anchor against the internal os of the uterus, inflating a central balloon to seal the cervix, delivering vapor from the uterine ablation device into the uterus, and condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus. The system can include a cervical collar adapted to place a distal portion of the device within the uterus when the cervical collar contacts an external os of the cervix.

Core Innovation

The uterine device includes a shaft sized and configured to access a uterus of a patient, the shaft being coupled to a fluid source, and fluid delivery ports disposed on a distal portion of the shaft. A distal balloon is positioned proximally on the shaft from the fluid delivery ports and is configured to be positioned in the uterus against an internal os.

A central balloon is positioned proximally to the distal balloon and is configured to contact an internal os and a cervical canal of the patient when the distal balloon is positioned in the uterus against the internal os. A proximal balloon is positioned proximally to the central balloon and spans a first portion of the cervical canal and a second portion of a vagina when the distal balloon is positioned in the uterus against the internal os and the central balloon is positioned within the cervical canal.

A controller is operably coupled to the distal balloon, the central balloon, and the proximal balloon and is configured to fully inflate the proximal balloon after inflating the distal balloon. Inflation of the proximal balloon causes the uterine device to move proximally to position the distal balloon against the internal os, and the uterine device is configured to deliver a heated vapor to the uterus.

Claims Coverage

The document provides one independent claim (clm-00001) covering a uterine vapor ablation device with three inventive features: a three-balloon positioning and anchoring arrangement, a controller-driven inflation sequence that moves the device proximally, and heated vapor delivery to the uterus.

Across the independent-claim structure, the coverage centers on delivering heated vapor to the uterus using a shaft with distal fluid delivery ports and a three-balloon arrangement that contacts and spans the internal os, cervical canal, and vagina. The controller’s inflation order and the inflation-induced proximally directed movement support positioning the distal balloon against the internal os while the central and proximal balloons occupy the cervical canal and vagina.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications