Occlusion devices and methods
Granted: December 24, 2013
Patent Number:
8613282
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a…
Methods and apparatus for determining fallopian tube occlusion
Granted: November 19, 2013
Patent Number:
8585616
Devices and methods for determining fallopian tube occlusion. The methods may include determining fallopian tube occlusions through a pressurization or volumetric determination.
Deployment actuation system
Granted: November 19, 2013
Patent Number:
8584679
Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves…
Linear motion delivery system for female sterilization device
Granted: October 22, 2013
Patent Number:
8562628
A delivery system for deploying an occlusion device comprises a piston having a threaded proximal end, an elongated delivery catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the delivery catheter, and a drive mechanism comprising an internally threaded nut member and a spring member. The piston is moveable between a first axial position and a second axial position. The internally threaded nut member receives the threaded…
Methods for determining lumen occlusion
Granted: October 8, 2013
Patent Number:
8551001
Embodiments of the present invention describe methods of determining the occlusion of body lumens and apparatuses for doing so. In one particular embodiment, the occlusion of the fallopian tubes by an intrafallopian contraceptive device may be confirmed by contrast enhanced ultrasonography (also known as stimulated acoustic emission hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography). In these embodiments a contrast agent containing microbubbles is used.
Methods and apparatus for occluding reproductive tracts to effect contraception
Granted: October 8, 2013
Patent Number:
8550085
Systems and methods of visibly marking a reproductive tract, e.g., at least one ostium of the Fallopian tubes accessed transvaginally and transcervically, to indicate delivery of an occlusion device into the corresponding at least one Fallopian tube to effect contraception are disclosed. Marking is effected by delivery of a dye that stains the ostium and/or extension of the marking member from the delivered occlusion device into view in the uterine cavity or ostium. A catheter (or…
Devices and methods for occluding a fallopian tube
Granted: May 7, 2013
Patent Number:
8434490
Devices and method for occluding a fallopian tube. The devices, in one embodiment, may include a plurality of expandable occluding members coupled by respective dissolvable connecting members.
Contraceptive devices and methods
Granted: May 7, 2013
Patent Number:
8434489
Contraceptive devices that provide substantially immediate and permanent sterilization are described herein. Systems and methods for transcervically delivering the contraceptive devices are also described herein. The contraceptive device may include an expandable implant. The implant includes hydrogel to provide substantially immediate sterilization, and tissue in-growth fibers to provide permanent sterilization. As an alternative or in combination to hydrogel, the implant may include…
Deployment actuation system
Granted: February 26, 2013
Patent Number:
8381733
Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves…
Minimally invasive surgical stabilization devices and methods
Granted: January 29, 2013
Patent Number:
8360064
The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.
Occlusion implant
Granted: January 22, 2013
Patent Number:
8356600
Contraceptive and/or sterilization methods and devices are disclosed which may improve the speed of tubal occlusion and mechanisms for anchoring for a contraceptive device. In accordance with some embodiments, improvements may be made to the delivery catheter to induce trauma and create faster tubal occlusion, improvements may be made to the occlusion device to prevent migration and induce trauma, and improvements may be made to the occlusion device to reduce the total volume of…
Occlusion devices and methods
Granted: January 22, 2013
Patent Number:
8356599
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a…
Occlusion devices and methods
Granted: December 11, 2012
Patent Number:
8327852
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a…
System and method for occluding a reproductive body lumen
Granted: December 4, 2012
Patent Number:
8322341
An occluding system is provided that can include a first occluding device (e.g., secondary occluder) and a second occluding device (e.g., primary occluder). Providing two devices can better promote effective occlusion within the body lumen and facilitate advantageous occlusion stages, such as initial and long-term occlusion stages. In various embodiments, the two occluding devices are in operative communication with one another, such that the second occluding device is adapted to couple…
Methods and devices for deployment into a lumen
Granted: August 7, 2012
Patent Number:
8235047
The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having elements with non-traumatic ends and devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.
Contraceptive transcervical fallopian tube occlusion devices and methods
Granted: May 8, 2012
Patent Number:
8171936
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a…
Methods and devices for determining lumen occlusion
Granted: February 28, 2012
Patent Number:
8123693
Embodiments of the present invention describe methods of determining the occlusion of body lumens and apparatuses for doing so. In one particular embodiment, the occlusion of the fallopian tubes by an intrafallopian contraceptive device may be confirmed by contrast enhanced ultrasonography (also known as stimulated acoustic emission hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography). In these embodiments a contrast agent containing microbubbles is used.
Contraceptive system and method of use
Granted: February 14, 2012
Patent Number:
8113205
A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is…
Methods and devices for occluding an ovarian pathway
Granted: January 24, 2012
Patent Number:
8100129
Methods and devices of sterilization by which the ovarian pathway is occluded by a plug, wherein placement of the plug may be visually confirmed. Other methods and devices are also described.
Deployment actuation system for intrafallopian contraception
Granted: December 20, 2011
Patent Number:
8079364
Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves…
