MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
An instrument and method for applying thermal energy to targeted tissue. An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a vapor source comprising a pump configured for providing a flow of liquid media from a liquid media source into a vaporization chamber having a heating mechanism, actuating the pump to provide the liquid into the vaporization chamber, applying energy from the heating mechanism to convert a substantially water liquid media into a minimum water vapor level for causing an intended effect in tissue. For examples such levels can comprise at least 60% water vapor, at least 70% to water vapor, at least 80% water vapor or at least 90% water vapor for causing an intended effect in tissue.
1 . A vapor therapy probe for ablating endometrial tissue in a uterus, comprising:
a probe body adapted to deliver a condensable vapor from a vapor source through an inflow channel to the uterus;
a vapor exit port in a working end of the probe body; and
an expandable structure at the working end of the probe body adapted to be expanded within at least a portion of the uterus.
2 . The probe of claim 1 wherein the vapor exit port is at a distal end of the probe body.
3 . The probe of claim 1 wherein the expandable structure is disposed proximal to the vapor exit port.
4 . The probe of claim 1 wherein the vapor exit port extends through the probe body from the inflow channel.
5 . The probe of claim 1 wherein the vapor exit port extends through the expandable structure.
6 . The probe of claim 1 further comprising a handle at a proximal end of the probe body.
7 . The probe of claim 1 wherein the expandable structure comprises a balloon.
8 . The probe of claim 1 wherein the probe further comprises an outflow passage.
9 . A method of ablating an endometrium of a uterus, the method comprising:
inserting a probe working end through a cervix into the uterus, the probe comprising an expandable structure;
expanding the expandable structure within the uterus;
after the expanding step, delivering vapor from a vapor source to the uterus through the probe; and
condensing the vapor to thereby release heat of vaporization to ablate at least portions of the endometrium.
10 . The method of claim 9 further comprising maintaining a pressure in the uterus between 0.1 psi and 6 psi.
11 . The method of claim 9 wherein expanding the expandable structure comprises expanding the expandable structure distal to a cervix of the uterus.
12 . The method of claim 9 wherein the expandable structure is a balloon, and where expanding the expandable structure comprises the expanding the balloon.
13 . The method of claim 9 wherein the delivering step comprises delivering the vapor through the expandable structure.
14 . The method of claim 9 wherein the vapor comprises water vapor.
15 . The method of claim 9 wherein the delivering step comprises delivering the vapor to the uterus at a flow rate in a range of 0.001 ml/min to 20 ml/min.
16 . The method of claim 9 wherein the delivery step comprises delivering the vapor to the uterus at an inflow pressure in a range of 0.5 psi to 1000 psi.
17 . The method of claim 9 wherein the delivery step comprises delivering the vapor to the uterus for an interval in a range of 0.1 seconds to 600 seconds.
18 . A vapor therapy probe for ablating endometrial tissue in a uterus, comprising
a probe body having a vapor inflow channel and
an expandable balloon disposed at a working end of the probe body, the balloon being adapted to be expanded within at least a portion of the uterus, the balloon comprising an interior chamber, the vapor inflow channel being adapted to deliver condensable vapor from a vapor source to the interior chamber, the probe body and balloon being sized and configured to be inserted through a cervix into the uterus.
19 . The probe of claim 18 further comprising a handle at a proximal end of the probe body.
20 . The probe of claim 18 wherein the balloon further comprises a vapor exit port communicating with the interior chamber.
21 . A method of ablating an endometrium of a uterus, the method comprising:
inserting a probe working end through a cervix into the uterus, the probe comprising a balloon;
expanding the balloon within the uterus;
after the expanding step, delivering vapor from a vapor source to an interior chamber of the balloon; and
condensing the vapor to thereby release heat of vaporization to ablate at least portions of the endometrium.
22 . The method of claim 21 further comprising delivering vapor from the interior chamber to the uterus through an exit port in the balloon.
23 . The method of claim 21 further comprising maintaining a pressure in the uterus between 0.1 psi and 6 psi.
24 . The method of claim 21 wherein the vapor comprises water vapor.
25 . The method of claim 21 wherein the delivering step comprises delivering the vapor at a flow rate in a range of 0.001 ml/min to 20 ml/min.
26 . The method of claim 21 wherein the delivery step comprises delivering the vapor at an inflow pressure in a range of 0.5 psi to 1000 psi.
27 . The method of claim 21 wherein the delivery step comprises delivering the vapor for an interval in a range of 0.1 seconds to 600 seconds.