Systems and Methods for Male Sterilization
An energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a duct, to shrink, damage, or occlude the duct. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. In some embodiments, the duct can be a ductus deferens or an ejaculatory duct of the male reproductive system. Another feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can utilize an inflatable member to form a seal to contain the vapor media. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.
1 . A male sterilization method comprising:
advancing a vapor delivery tool into or proximate to a duct of a male reproductive system; and
delivering vapor media through the vapor delivery tool into the duct to occlude the duct.
2 . The method of claim 1 further comprising, prior to the advancing step:
introducing the vapor delivery tool into or proximate to a patient's prostate.
3 . The method of claim 2 wherein the introducing step further comprises transurethrally introducing the vapor delivery tool into or proximate to the patient's prostate.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein the introducing step further comprises introducing an endoscope through the patient's urethra to the prostate; and
introducing the vapor delivery tool through a channel in the endoscope.
5 . The method of claim 1 further comprising manipulating a distal end of the vapor delivery tool into or proximate to the duct.
6 . The method of claim 1 wherein the advancing step comprises advancing the vapor delivery tool through a skin incision.
7 . The method of claim 3 further comprising forming a seal in the patient's urethra to contain the vapor media.
8 . The method of claim 7 wherein the seal directs the vapor media into the duct.
9 . The method of claim 7 wherein the step of forming the seal includes expanding an expandable member.
10 . The method of claim 7 wherein the step of forming the seal includes expanding an expandable portion of the vapor delivery tool.
11 . The method of claim 1 wherein the vapor media damages a wall of the duct.
12 . The method of claim 1 wherein the vapor media denatures collagen in the wall of the duct.
13 . The method of claim 1 wherein the vapor media has a temperature of at least 60° C.
14 . The method of claim 1 wherein the vapor media has a temperature between approximately 60° C. and 100° C.
15 . The method of claim 1 wherein the vapor media is delivered for an interval ranging from approximately 0.1 second to 30 seconds.
16 . The method of claim 1 wherein the vapor media carries a second composition.
17 . The method of claim 16 wherein the second composition comprises a pharmacologic agent.
18 . The method of claim 16 wherein the second composition comprises a sealant.
19 . The method of claim 1 wherein the duct is an ejaculatory duct.
20 . The method of claim 1 wherein the duct is a ductus deferens.
21 . A system for male sterilization comprising:
a vapor delivery probe configured for introduction into or proximate to a duct of a male reproductive system, the vapor delivery probe including a distal end configured to be advanced outwardly from the probe; and
a vapor media source in fluid communication with the vapor delivery probe, the vapor media source adapted to deliver a vapor media through the vapor delivery probe into the duct.
22 . The system of claim 21 wherein the vapor delivery probe is sized and configured for transurethral introduction into or proximate the duct.
23 . The system of claim 21 wherein the distal end further comprises a shape memory material configured provide a memory curved shape when advanced outwardly from the probe.
24 . The system of claim 21 wherein condensable vapor has a temperature of approximately 60° to 100° C.
25 . The system of claim 21 further comprising a controller configured to control a vapor delivery interval.
26 . The system of claim 21 further comprising at least one expandable member configured to contain the vapor media.
27 . The system of claim 26 wherein the at least one expandable member is an inflatable balloon.