METHODS AND DEVICES FOR OCCLUDING AN OVARIAN PATHWAY
Methods and devices of sterilization by which the ovarian pathway is occluded by a plug, wherein placement of the plug may be visually confirmed. Other methods and devices are also described.
1 . An occluding device for occluding a body lumen comprising:
a plug comprising:
an inner core; and
a porous polymer material surrounding the inner core; and
a radiopaque marker disposed within the plug.
2 . The occluding device of claim 1 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises a wire.
3 . The occluding device of claim 2 , wherein the porous polymer material and inner core each comprise silicone.
4 . The occluding device of claim 3 , wherein the wire is flat.
5 . The occluding device of claim 3 , wherein the wire is round.
6 . The occluding device of claim 3 , wherein the wire is coiled.
7 . The occluding device of claim 3 , wherein the wire extends through a center of the plug.
8 . The occluding device of claim 3 , wherein the wire extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the plug.
9 . The occluding device of claim 3 , wherein the wire comprise a metal or metal alloy.
10 . The occluding device of claim 3 , wherein the plug further comprises gas bubbles trapped in a substance.
11 . The occluding device of claim 1 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises particles, and the plug is doped with the particles.
12 . The occluding device of claim 11 , wherein the porous polymer material and inner core each comprise silicone.
13 . The occluding device of claim 12 , wherein the particles are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, metal alloy, and metal oxide.
14 . The occluding device of claim 12 , wherein the particles are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of tungsten, tungsten oxide, tungsten trioxide, stainless steel, silver iodide, and an iodinated organic compound.
15 . The occluding device of claim 12 , wherein the plug further comprises gas bubbles trapped in a substance.