MECHANICAL DISTENSION SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING A MEDICAL PROCEDURE IN A REMOTE SPACE
Systems are disclosed, for performing therapeutic or diagnostic procedures at a remote site. According to one embodiment, the system includes an introducer designed for transcervical insertion into the uterus. The introducer is constructed to include a fluid lumen, an instrument lumen, and a visualization lumen. The system may include a fluid source, which is coupled to the fluid lumen and is used to deliver a fluid to the uterus either for washing the uterus or for fluid distension of the uterus. The system additionally includes a tissue modifying device, such as a morcellator, and a distension device for distending the uterus and/or for maintaining the uterus in a distended state. The tissue modifying device and the distension device are alternately deliverable to the uterus through the instrument lumen. The system may further include a hysteroscope deliverable to the uterus through the visualization lumen.
1 . A system for use in performing a medical procedure, the system comprising:
a) an introducer for providing access to an internal site within a body;
b) a mechanical expansion structure, the mechanical expansion structure being deliverable to the internal site using the introducer;
c) a visualization device, the visualization device being deliverable to the internal site using the introducer; and
d) a tissue modifying device, the tissue modifying device being deliverable to the internal site using the introducer.
2 . The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the introducer includes a dedicated fluid channel, the system further comprising a fluid source adapted to be coupled to the introducer so that fluid may be dispensed through the fluid channel.
3 . The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the introducer includes a plurality of channels.
4 . The system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the plurality of channels includes a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, the first channel being the dedicated fluid channel, the system further comprising a fluid source adapted to be coupled to the introducer so that fluid may be dispensed through the dedicated fluid channel.
5 . The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the second channel is adapted to receive alternately the mechanical expansion structure and the tissue modifying device.
6 . The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the second channel is radially expandable.
7 . The system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the third channel is adapted to receive the visualization device.
8 . The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mechanical expansion structure is self-expanding.
9 . The system as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a tie-line secured at one end to the mechanical expansion structure.
10 . The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mechanical expansion structure is not self-expanding, the system further comprising an actuator for expanding the mechanical expansion structure.
11 . The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the visualization device includes a hysteroscope.
12 . The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tissue modifying device includes a morcellator.
13 . The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the introducer includes a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel, the first channel being a fluid channel, the second channel receiving the mechanical expansion structure, the third channel receiving the visualization device, and the fourth channel receiving the tissue modifying device.
14 . The system as claimed in claim 13 further comprising a fluid source coupled to the introducer so that fluid may be dispensed through the fluid channel.