Patent ID: 8986219
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for determining fallopian tube occlusion using a pressure sensing probe, the probe comprising an elongate probe body having a sealing member disposed on, and protruding radially from, an outer surface of the probe body, the method comprising: positioning a distal portion of the probe body in a fallopian tube, thereby isolating an interior volume of the fallopian tube bounded in part by the sealing member and the inner wall of the fallopian tube, wherein the sealing member comprises first and second annular seal members that define an annular space between the annular seal members and the interior wall of the fallopian tube when the distal portion of the probe is positioned within the fallopian tube; administering a pressurized fluid into the isolated interior volume of the fallopian tube through a distal opening of the probe body located distally of the sealing member; monitoring a pressure of the isolated interior volume of the fallopian tube to determine whether the fallopian tube is occluded; and monitoring a seal formed between the sealing member and the inner wall of the fallopian tube to determine whether a pressure-tight seal is maintained by the sealing member while monitoring the pressure of the isolated interior volume of the fallopian tube, in order to verify that a decrease in pressure of the isolated interior volume of the fallopian tube is due to non-occlusion of the fallopian tube, wherein monitoring the seal formed between the sealing member and the inner wall of the fallopian tube comprises monitoring a pressure of the annular space.