Patent ID: 8690892
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for postpartum tubal sterilization, which comprises: (a) placing a patient in a dorsolithotomy position; (b) with a first hand, inserting a primary shaft of a device in a postpartum uterus of the patient, wherein a tip of the primary shaft of the device is in a closed linear position, wherein the device comprises: (c) with the first hand, pushing the movable thumb piece forward, thereby causing the tip to open and form the triangular configuration, and engaging the ratchet to lock the movable thumb piece in a forward position; (d) making a transverse, infraumbilical skin incision, which is carried down through a layer of underlying fascia until a layer of peritoneum is identified and entered; (e) with the first hand, lifting the uterus to a position closer to the incision by (i) grasping the handle of the device using the two fixed rings and (ii) lifting the uterus to a location that is adjacent to an anterior abdominal wall of the patient; (f) moving the uterus to the left or right to identify a first fallopian tube; (g) grasping the first fallopian tube using a clamp, following the first fallopian tube out to a first fimbria and ligating and excising a first segment of the first fallopian tube; (h) grasping a second fallopian tube using a clamp, following the second fallopian tube out to a second fimbria and ligating and excising a segment of the second fallopian tube; (i) closing the peritoneum, fascia and the skin of the patient; (j) disengaging the ratchet with the first hand, thereby causing the thumb piece to release backwards and close the tip into the linear position; and (k) removing the device from the uterus.