Abstract:
In a sterilization method a plethora of magnetizable metal particles are deposited into a uterus of a living female organism. Subsequently, a magnet is placed near an external skin surface of the female organism near the uterus to thereby cause at least some of the metal particles to embed in a myometrium or endometrium of the uterus. The metal particles may be magnetized prior to deposition in the uterus. The particles are advantageously formed to have a sharp end which easily penetrates into the uterine lining. Each particle is magnetized so that the sharp end has a predetermined magnetic pole, whereby a magnet with the opposite pole placed against the organism results in an embedding of the sharp end in the uterine lining. In addition, microwave radiation is optionally transmitted into the female organism in a region about the uterus after the embedding of the metal particles in the myometrium or endometrium.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a medical treatment method. More particularly, this invention relates to a minimally invasive technique for treating internal tissues of an organism or patient. The technique is especially useful for sterilization of female organisms, as well as in the treatment of at least certain kinds of cancer. 
     The ever increasing population of human beings has been a topic of scientific reports and substantial media speculation. In many parts of the world, conventional birth control devices or prophylactics are either not available or not used. Such countries tend to have burgeoning citizenries sharing ever decreasing natural resources and other types of wealth. In times past, the increasing demand for reduced fundamentals of life has given rise to war and to other forms of disaster such as famine and disease. 
     The world is in need of a birth control technique which is inexpensive and easy to implement. Many conventional birth control techniques such as intrauterine devices and vasectomies require a hospital operation. Such operations can be performed only by highly trained personnel. The operations are expensive and time consuming. Consequently, the operations are not available to large segments of the world&#39;s population. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a new birth control technique. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide such a birth control technique which is simple to use and can be used by personnel of minimally training. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a technique or method which is inexpensive. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide such a technique or method which has a high probability of success in preventing unwanted pregnancies. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating internal tissues such as those affected by cancer. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A sterilization method comprises, in accordance with the present invention, depositing a plethora of magnetizable metal particles into a uterus of a living female organism and placing a magnet near an external skin surface of the female organism near the uterus to thereby cause at least some of the metal particles to embed in a lining (myometrium, endometrium) of the uterus. 
     The metal particles may be magnetized prior to deposition in the uterus. The particles are advantageously formed to have a sharp end which easily penetrates into the uterine lining. Each particle is magnetized so that the sharp end has a predetermined magnetic pole, whereby a magnet with the opposite pole placed against the organism results in an embedding of the sharp end in the uterine lining. The generation of a magnetic field in the uterus via the externally positioned magnet serves not only to orient the metal particles with respect to the uterine lining but also to pull the particles into the lining. 
     The metal particles advantageously have a tapered form, with an enlarged end opposite the sharp end. The larger end serves to limit the extent to which the metal particles are pulled into the uterine lining. 
     In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the depositing of the metal particles is accomplished by inserting a tubular member through a cervix of the female organism and injecting the metal particles through the tubular member. 
     Where the metal particles are suspended in a flowable matrix, the depositing of the metal particles in the uterus includes exerting pressure on the flowable matrix to cause the flowable matrix with the suspended metal particles to flow into the uterus. The exerted pressure forces the flowable matrix with the suspended metal particles through the tubular member after the placement of a distal tip thereof in the uterus of the subject. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the tubular member is provided with a balloon. In that case, the sterilization method further comprises inflating the balloon after inserting the tubular member through the cervix and prior to injecting of the metal particles through the tubular member. The inflated balloon serves to close the uterus to retain the metal particles in the uterus. 
     Pursuant to an additional feature of the present invention, the method further comprising emitting microwave radiation into the female organism in a region about the uterus after the embedding of the metal particles in the lining. The strength of the microwave radiation is sufficiently great to cause significant tissue heating and possibly limited electrical discharge in the uterine lining region, thereby advancing the effective destruction of the lining to prevent embryo attachment and gestation. However, the strength of the microwave radiation is insufficient to significantly warm the tissues of the organism outside of the uterine lining. 
     A sterilization procedure pursuant to the present invention may be performed by personnel with a modicum of training and skills. The sterilization procedure does not require expensive or complicated equipment or instruments. A solution or suspension of metal particles, an injection tube, and a magnet are all that&#39;s necessary. Even the optional microwave generator is conventional technology which is easy to use. The magnet may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The injection tube may be provided with a balloon for holding the metal particles in the uterus during the embedding thereof in the uterine lining. 
     Where the organism is human, it may be best to have the patient disposed stomach down in the Trendelenburg position during at least part of the sterilization procedure. 
     The metal particles may be coated with a biological irritant composition to cause scarring of the lining after embedding of the metal particles in the lining. 
     A medical treatment method comprises, in accordance with the present invention, (a) depositing a plethora of magnetizable metal particles into internal tissues of a living organism and (b) emitting microwave radiation into the organism in a region about the internal tissues after the depositing of the metal particles in the internal tissues. 
     Where the internal tissues are a lining, the depositing of the metal particles includes inserting a tubular member through a skin surface of the organism and into a cavity defined or surrounded by the lining and further includes filling the cavity with a solution or suspension containing the metal particles. The lining may be a peritoneal lining, and the cavity a peritoneal cavity. 
     Where the internal tissues are a tumorous growth, the depositing of the metal particles includes inserting a hypodermic needle through a skin surface of the organism and into the tumorous growth and additionally includes injecting the metal particles through the needle into the tumorous growth. 
     A more general method for sterilizing a female comprises, in accordance with the present invention, inserting a tubular member through a cervix of a female organism and thereafter injecting a sclerosing agent into a uterus of the female organism through the tubular member. The sclerosing agent may include a plethora of metal particles, in which case the method further comprises acting on the metal particles to embed the metal particles in a lining of the uterus. The acting on the metal particles generally includes orienting the particles, for example, by applying a magnetic field to the metal particles. As discussed above, microwave radiation is optionally emitted into the female organism in a region about the uterus after the injecting of the metal particles into the uterus. 
     Other kinds of sclerosing agents include chemical irritants which cause a scarring of the uterine tissues, thereby rendering the uterus incapable of supporting a fetus. Chemical sclerosing agents include salicylic acid solutions and concentrated sugar solutions, for example, a 25-50% dextrose solution. Other known sclerotic agents can also be used. For example, 5% quinine and urea hydrochloride solution. Preferably, the sclerotic agent is a natural substance which is generally nontoxic and biocompatible. A sugar such as dextrose is such a substance. The adhesive agent cyanoacrylate is another such substance. 
     A sterilization method in accordance with the present invention is equivalent to a tubal ablation. The method is simple to execute: the method can be reliably used by minimally trained personnel. The method is inexpensive: the treatment personnel may be paid at a low rate and the materials and equipment are basic. The method has a high probability of success in preventing unwanted pregnancies. 
     A method for treating internal tumors and cancerous tissues in accordance with the present invention is also easy to carry out and relatively inexpensive. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is partially a block diagram of medical instrumentation and partially a schematic perspective view of a woman being treated in a sterilization procedure in accordance with the present invention, showing the woman&#39;s uterus in phantom lines. 
     FIGS. 2A-2E are schematic cross-sectional views of the uterus of FIG. 1, showing successive steps in the sterilization procedure with selected instrumentation indicated in block diagram form. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section view similar to FIG. 1, showing a microwave apparatus illustrated in block diagram form in FIG.  2 E. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a uterus, showing an alternate step in a sterilization procedure in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic side elemental view, on an enlarged scale, of a magnetic filing or element used in a sterilization procedure in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial schematic perspective views of a patient&#39;s abdomen and instrumentation, showing successive steps in a related cancer treatment procedure in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial schematic perspective views of a patient&#39;s abdomen and instrumentation, showing successive steps in another cancer treatment procedure in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a partial schematic perspective view of a patient and instrumentation, showing successive steps in a procedure for treating an aneurysm in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a microwave treatment device in accordance with the invention, for use in medical treatment procedures in accordance with the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a woman or female patient WMN wishing to be sterilized is placed in stirrups (not shown) and has a distal end  12  of a tubular member or catheter  14  inserted through her cervix CX into her uterus UT. A sclerosing solution is fed through tubular member  14  from a reservoir or pressurizable source  16 , such as a syringe, into the woman&#39;s uterus UT. The sclerosing agent may be a chemical irritant which causes a scarring of the uterine tissues, particularly the myometrial lining or endometriurn, thereby rendering the uterus UT incapable of supporting a fetus. Preferably, the sclerotic agent is a chemical substance which is generally nontoxic and biocompatible. The adhesive agent cyanoacrylate is such a substance. Other chemical sclerosing agents include a 5% quinine and urea hydrochloride solution. Salicylic acid solutions and concentrated sugar solutions, for example, a 25-50% dextrose solution are also suitable as sclerosing agents. 
     The sclerosing agent is maintained in uterus UT for a period of time sufficient to induce myometrial scarring effective to prevent pregnancy. Generally, several minutes are required, the exact minimum varying depending on the particular sclerosing agent and its concentration. After lapse of sufficient time, the uterus UT may be flushed with an irritant and excess sclerosing agent removed via suction, as discussed below. 
     Where the sclerosing agent takes the form of a solution or slurry or suspension, tubular member of catheter  14  is provided near its distal end  12  with a balloon closure element  20 . After insertion of distal end  12  and balloon  20  in a collapsed configuration into uterus UT through cervix CX (FIG.  2 A), balloon  20  is inflated by operation of a pressurizable source  22  (FIGS. 1 and 2B) of a fluid such as a saline solution. Upon inflation, balloon  20  is seated at cervix CX and seals the uterus UT from a premature egress of sclerosing solution. 
     In further discussion with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E, the sclerosing agent is taken to include a plethora of metal particles or filings  18 , preferably suspended in a slurry or other flowable matrix  24  such as an aqueous solution or a gel. Metal particles  18  are made of a magnetic or magnetizable material. 
     FIG. 2B shows uterus UT partially filled with the suspension or slurry  24  of metal particles  18 , which has been injected into uterus UT from source  16 . After an effective filling of the uterine cavity UC (FIGS. 2A and 2B) with suspension or slurry  24 , a strong magnetic field is generated in the region of uterus UT by placing a permanent magnet  26 , for example, of the rare earth kind, or an electromagnet near the uterus. The magnetic field produced by magnet  26  serves to orient metal particles  18  and to pull the particles into the uterine lining, i.e., the myometrium or endometrium (not separately shown). Magnet  26  may be subsequently placed at another location  28  next to the patient WMN to assist in embedding metal particles  18  in another portion of the myometrium or endometrium. 
     After the embedding of metal particles  18  in the myometrium or endometrium or uterus UT, the suspension or slurry  24  is removed from uterine cavity UC. This removal may be facilitated by additional equipment illustrated in FIG.  2 D and including a pressurizable reservoir  30  of a liquid irritant and a suction source  32 . After the embedding of metal particles  18 , a valve  34  is actuated to connected suction source  32  to tubular member  14 , thereby drawing suspension or slurry  24  from uterine cavity UC. Thereafter, valve  34  may be actuated to connect reservoir  30  to uterine cavity UC via tubular member  14 . Liquid irritant from reservoir  30  is injected into uterine cavity UC for purposes of washing out free or nonembedded metal particles  18 . Valve  34  and suction source  32  are subsequently operated to draw the irritant and loose metal particles  18  from uterine cavity UC. Then, fluid source  22  is depressurized to enable an egress of fluid from balloon  20  and an extraction of the balloon and distal end  12  of tubular member  14  from uterus UT via cervix CX. Fluid source  22  is optionally connected to tubular member  14  via a valve  36  for facilitating the inflation and deflation of balloon  20 . 
     As depicted in FIG. 2E, after the extraction of slurry  24  and renegade metal particles  18  from uterus UT, a microwave emitter  38  is placed adjacent to patient WMN in the area of uterus UT. As illustrated in FIG. 3, microwave emitter  38  may be enclosed in a housing  40  which is supported on a platform or table  42  in turn carried on an arm  44  extending from a post  46 . A microwave shield  48  in the form of a skirt is suspended from platform or table  42 . In addition, the patient WMN may rest on another microwave shield (not shown) in the form of a pad. 
     Microwave emitter  38  is designed to generate and emit weak microwave energy  50  for purposes of energizing the metal particles  18  embedded in the myometrium or endometrium of uterus UT. The energized metal particles are heated and create tiny electrostatic discharges in the myometrium or endometrium of uterus UT, thereby quickly and controllably damaging those tissues to result in scarring which effectively prevents future pregnancies. The microwave energy  50  produced by emitter  38  and transmitted into patient WMN is so weak as to prevent significant heating of organic tissues of the patient WMN and yet strong enough to result in energy absorption by embedded metal particles  18 . The strength of the microwave energy  50  generated by emitter  38  is less the strength of the energy generated by a consumer-type microwave oven. Preferably, the maximum rate of energy production by emitter  38  is less than half of the lowest rate of energy generation by a conventional consumer-type microwave oven. 
     The transmission of microwave energy into the patient WMN towards uterus UT is optional. The mere embedding of metal particles  18  in the uterine lining is sufficient to cause scarring which will prevent pregnancy. However, the use of microwave emitter  38  will induce substantially immediate scarring, whereas scarring by the mere embedding of metal particles will be delayed. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 4, patient WMN may be disposed in the Trendelenburg position (face down) for one or more of the steps described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E. The patient WMN may be placed in the Trendelenburg position before or after the injection of suspension or slurry  24  into uterine cavity UC. 
     FIG. 5 depicts a particular configuration for metal particles  18 . Each metal particle  18  has a tapered configuration (e.g., wedge-shaped or conical) with a narrow or pointed end  52  and a wide end  54  opposite thereto. Moreover, each particle  18  is magnetized, generally through magnetic induction upon the juxtaposition of magnet  36  to patient WMN, so that ends  52  and  54  exhibit different magnetic poles N and S. Narrow or pointed end  52  will naturally exhibit a magnetic pole opposite to that of the near side of magnet  26  (see FIG.  2 C), thereby facilitating embedding of the metal particle in the myometrium or endometrium of uterus UT. The wider end  54  of metal particles  18  may be provided with a flange (not illustrated) as an additional impediment to embedding of the particles too deeply in the myometrium or endometrium. 
     The technique of microwave energization of metal particles discussed above may be applied in other kinds of treatment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, a needle  56  of a syringe  58  holding a suspension or slurry  60  of metal particles  62  may be inserted through a skin surface SS of a patient PT into an inoperable tumor TMR in the patient&#39;s liver LV and actuated to inject suspension or slurry  60  with metal particles  62  into the tumor. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6B, microwave emitter  38  is juxtaposed to the patient PT and energized to transmit low-energy microwave radiation  64  into the patient. The low-energy microwave radiation  64  is absorbed mainly by the injected metal particles  62  to cause a localized heating and sparking in tumor TMR, thereby destroying the tumor cells. 
     In another application schematically illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a suspension or slurry of metal particles  66  is fed through a catheter  68  from a bag or pouch  70  into a peritoneal cavity PC of a patient PN having diffuse peritoneal tumor seeding. As discussed above, a magnet is optionally used in some cases to embed the metal particles  66  in the peritoneal lining (not indicated). As shown in FIG. 7B, microwave emitter  38  is then used to irradiate the patient&#39;s abdomen with weak microwave energy  71 . 
     In yet another application diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 8, a suspension or slurry of metal particles  72  is fed from a syringe  74  into an artery AR having an aneurysm ANM. A magnet may be used to embed the metal particles  72  in the artery&#39;s endothelium (not illustrated), particularly in the endothelium of aneurysm ANM. The injection of metal particles  72  and the embedding thereof in the wall of aneurysm ANM may be sufficient to produce clotting in the aneurysm. The clotting is preferably controlled so that blood can still flow through the normal section of the artery AR after treatment. Microwave emitter  38  is optionally used to irradiate the patient with weak microwave energy  76 . As discussed above, this additional step will accelerate the scarring of the endothelial tissues and possibly the clotting for selectively occluding aneurysm ANM but not artery AR. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 9, microwave emitter  38  may be provided in the form of a plurality of solid state transducers  78  in the nature of light-emitting diodes for generating microwave radiation. Transducers  78  are attached in a spaced array to a flexible substrate  80  which is draped on or over a patient. A power supply  82  is connected to the individual microwave generating transducers  78  for providing electrical energy thereto. 
     Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. For example, magnet  26  may be placed near uterus UT prior to the injection of metal particles  18 , rather than afterward. Metal particles  18 ,  62 ,  66 , and/or  72  may be provided with an irritant coating such as cyanoacrylate to expedite scarring. Other coatings are also possible: growth factor, anti-growth factor, antibiotics, etc. 
     Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.