Positioning method and apparatus for delivering vapor to the uterus
View Patent ↗A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine ablation device into the uterus; expanding a distal anchor; inflating a proximal balloon to pull the distal anchor proximally and seat the distal anchor against the internal os of the uterus; inflating a central balloon to seal the cervix; delivering vapor from the uterine ablation device into the uterus; and condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus. The can include a cervical collar adapted to place a distal portion of the device within the uterus when the cervical collar contacts an external os of the cervix.
1. A method of delivering vapor to a uterus of a patient, comprising:
inserting a portion of a uterine ablation device into the uterus of the patient;
inflating a distal balloon of the uterine ablation device in the uterus;
inflating a proximal balloon of the uterine ablation device against a cervical canal of the patient, against an external os of the patient, and into a vagina of the patient to pull the uterine ablation device proximally and place the distal balloon against an internal os of the patient;
inflating a central balloon within the cervical canal; and
delivering a heated vapor to the uterus to ablate uterine tissue.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the inserting step further comprises inserting the uterine ablation device into the uterus of the patient so as to position a distal tip of the device distally to the internal os of the patient.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflating the distal balloon step further comprises inflating the distal balloon distally to the internal os of the patient.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the distal balloon has a donut shape.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflating the central balloon step further comprises inflating the central balloon against a cervical canal and the internal os of the patient.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflating the proximal balloon step is performed after the inflating the distal balloon step.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflating the central balloon step is performed after the inflating the proximal balloon step.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising; prior to the delivering step, collapsing the distal balloon of the uterine ablation device.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the central balloon does not extend into the uterus or into the vagina of the patient when inflated.