Patent ID: 7731712

Claim:
A system for fallopian tubal occlusion, comprising: a tubal occlusion device having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including an electrode carrier with two faces, each face having two bipolar electrodes thereon, said electrode carrier comprising a structural support member within a fabric sheath having conductive metallized regions and having one or more non-conductive regions formed thereon to create the bipolar electrodes, and is shaped to approximate a uterine cavity in a region of a tubal ostium of a fallopian tube to be occluded, wherein the bipolar electrodes are arranged on the carrier to target tissue destruction over a length of 10 mm to 20 mm along an endometrium from the tubal ostium; a source of radio frequency energy electrically coupled to the bipolar electrodes; a controller configured to control the delivery of radio frequency energy to the bipolar electrodes such that passing radio frequency energy through the bipolar electrodes to the tubal ostium can be controlled to destroy tissue to a known depth that precipitates a healing response in surrounding tissue that over time scars and occludes the fallopian tube; and a vacuum source operable to draw the tissue into contact with the bipolar electrodes and to draw moisture generated during delivery of the radio frequency energy to the bipolar electrodes away from the bipolar electrodes and to substantially eliminate liquid surrounding the bipolar electrodes.