Patent ID: 6712810
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method of occluding the ovarian pathway of a female body, wherein the ovarian pathway is lined by an epithelial layer on the inner surface of the ovarian pathway, said method comprising the steps of:applying a wounding element in the form of a catheter-mounted heating element and a catheter mounted temperature sensor positioned on the catheter in proximity to the heating element to a target segment of the pathway, and operating the wounding element to cause a wound in the segment of the pathway that necroses the epithelial layer; limiting the severity of the wound created by the wounding element by controlling the heating element to heat the ovarian pathway to a temperature range of 40-80Â° C. as sensed by the temperature sensor, for a period of at least about 5 seconds; installing a foam plug comprising a reticulated foam into the wounded segment of the pathway; and allowing the wounded segment of the pathway to heal with the foam plug installed.