Integrity Testing Method and Apparatus for Delivering Vapor to the Uterus
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:
performing a uterine integrity test comprising:
inserting a uterine device into the uterus of the patient;
delivering gas or fluid from an inflow lumen of the uterine device into the uterus;
measuring a flow rate of the gas or fluid as it is delivered into the uterus;
determining that the uterus is sealed if the flow rate decreases below a flow rate threshold value; and
after performing the uterine integrity test and determining that the uterus is sealed, performing a patency test for the uterine device comprising:
delivering gas or fluid from the inflow lumen of the uterine device into the uterus;
removing gas or fluid from the uterus with an outflow lumen of the uterine device;
determining that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue if a flow rate of gas or fluid is observed in the outflow lumen of the uterine device.