Patent ID: 6802825
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A catheter apparatus for gaining access into the uterine cavity in order to perform minimally invasive surgery or diagnosis in a uterus and its associated fallopian tubes, the catheter apparatus comprising:a single-lumen catheter; an elongated balloon disposed distally on the single-lumen catheter for insertion into a cervical canal of the uterus, the balloon sealed containing a fixed internal residual volume of fluid; a fluid displacement sleeve slidably disposed over the single-lumen catheter, the sleeve being moveable over the elongated balloon to displace the fluid from a proximal portion of the balloon to opposing portions of the balloon which are adjacent the opposite openings of the cervical canal when the balloon is inserted therein, to inflate the opposing portions of the balloon; and a surgical instrument insertion adapter assembly disposed at a proximal end of the single-lumen catheter.