UTERINE HEMORRHAGE CONTROLLING SYSTEM AND METHOD
An insertable device is designed to control uterine hemorrhaging after birth by facilitating contractile movement of the uterus. An insertable device comprises a tube having a connecting portion and a suction portion and a seal positioned along the length of the connecting portion proximal to the suction portion. Upon insertion of the suction portion and seal into the uterus, the seal abuts a vaginal canal and forms a seal between a vaginal opening and the uterus. The suction portion comprises a first loop having an opening that is oriented away from an interior wall of the uterus when inserted into the uterus. The connecting portion of the tube couples to a pump that when actuated generates a negative pressure within the uterus, resulting in a uniform mechanical stimulus to the uterine wall in order to facilitate tamponade and contractile movement of the tissue.
1 . (canceled)
2 . An insertable device comprising:
a suction portion comprising a tube formed into a loop, the tube including a plurality of openings along a medial surface of the loop, the suction portion being configured for insertion into a uterus and to transmit a pressure change through the plurality of openings;
a seal connected adjacent to the suction portion, the seal being sized and configured to seal against a uterine wall to facilitate maintenance of the pressure change inside the uterus; and
a connecting portion wherein the tube is joined to itself at a connector proximal to the loop;
wherein application of the pressure change results in a uniform mechanical stimulus to the uterus in order to facilitate tamponade and contractile movement of the tissue.
3 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the connector is attached to a proximal end of the connecting portion.
4 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the connector includes a distal end sized and configured to receive the connecting portion wherein the tube is joined side-by-side to itself.
5 . The insertable device of claim 4 , wherein the connector includes proximal end defining a single lumen.
6 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the connector ensures that the plurality of openings remain facing into the loop away from a uterine wall upon insertion to prevent obstruction of the openings.
7 . The insertable device of claim 2 , further including tubing connectable to a vacuum source extending from the proximal end of the connector.
8 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the connecting portion comprises a single channel extending along a length of the connecting portion.
9 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the tube is a single tube is folded to form the loop of suction portion and the connecting portion.
10 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the seal is a circular or elliptical disk.
11 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the seal is flexible and includes a lip around its perimeter to facilitate sealing against a uterine wall.
12 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the seal has a concave profile.
13 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the seal is an inflatable balloon.
14 . The insertable device of claim 13 , further including an inflation tube connected to the inflatable balloon for inflating the seal.
15 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the seal is cup-shaped and flexible to allow the seal to conform to anatomy of a uterine wall.
16 . The insertable device of claim 2 , wherein the seal abuts a vaginal canal upon insertion of the insertable device and forms a seal between a vaginal opening and the uterus.