SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION
A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.
1 . A method of performing a procedure on a uterus of a patient, comprising the steps of:
inflating the uterus with a gas/fluid from a uterine ablation device;
performing an integrity test with the uterine ablation device to determine if the uterus is sealed;
controlling a valve disposed in an outflow lumen of the uterine ablation device to allow gas/fluid to flow out of the uterus at a flow rate between 5 ml/min and 40 ml/min; and
while the gas/fluid is flowing out of the uterus at the flow rate, performing a patency test with the uterine ablation device to determine if the uterine ablation device is clogged or embedded into tissue.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step further comprises partially opening the valve disposed within the outflow lumen.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein partially opening comprises partially opening the valve in the range of 20-50% open.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step further comprises:
pulsing the opening of the valve rapidly until flow of gas/fluid begins through the outflow lumen; and
lowering a duty cycle of the valve after flow of gas/fluid begins.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the valve comprises a balloon.