Patents Assigned to Gynecare, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6056747
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for treating body tissue includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode and a second electrode, with at least the first electrode formed of a foam-like material. Conductive fluid is delivered to the operating site, which may involve injecting the conductive fluid through the porous foam-like material of the first electrode via a fluid supply conduit. The apparatus may also include a fluid withdrawal conduit. The second electrode may also be formed of a foam-like material. The electrode assembly may be positioned on a catheter shaft having a distal end, with the first electrode positioned on the catheter shaft distal end. In treating desired tissue at a selected operational site, the electrode assembly is introduced to the site with one or more of the first electrodes positioned adjacent to the desired tissue. Conductive fluid, such as a saline solution, is delivered to the operational site via the supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Malcolm M. Farnsworth
  • Patent number: 6057689
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks in a fluid-filled device used to treat a patient's tissue includes an catheter having an expandable device defining a fluid reservoir about the distal end of the catheter. An internal electrode is in electrical contact with a conductive fluid within the fluid reservoir. A grounding electrode is outside of the fluid reservoir, in electrical contact with the patient's tissue. Voltage is supplied to the internal electrode and the grounding electrode. Where a leak occurs in the expandable device, conductive fluid will contact the patient's tissue, thus creating an electrical current path between the internal electrode and the grounding electrode. This so-called "leak current" is used to generate a leak alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Vahid Saadat
  • Patent number: 5954714
    Abstract: Apparatus for thermal coagulation having an improved circulation assembly and heating assembly. The apparatus includes a balloon catheter secured to and in fluid communication with a handle for inserting the apparatus into a human uterus. A distensible bladder is secured to the distal end of the catheter and encloses a heating assembly having a tubular core configured with a spiral groove which retains a heating filament. An impeller having at least two blades is positioned distal of the heating assembly and includes a cable having a distal end secured to the impeller. The impeller cable is partially disposed in the handle, in the elongate tubular member and in the core of the heating element, such that axial rotation of said cable rotates the blades of said impeller. During use of the apparatus, the distensible bladder is inflated with a fluid to a desired pressure and rotation of the impeller blades is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, John J. McIntyre, Gail Stevens
  • Patent number: 5935137
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for human female sterilization. The apparatus includes an occlusive device configured from an elongate tubular member having a central lumen and a flange formed at the proximal end. The occlusive device is formed with a plurality of flexible ribs configured to provide a plurality of seals within the interstitial portion of a Fallopian tube. A valve member is preferably disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The occlusive device may further include a plurality of copper rings disposed between the ribs of the tubular member, or ribs may be coated with a material containing copper. The method includes placing the occlusive device within a delivery catheter having a lumen and placing the distal end of the delivery catheter within the uterus. After the occlusive device and distal end of the delivery catheter are placed in the Fallopian tube, the occlusive device is removed from the delivery catheter and ejected into the Fallopian tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, James R. Kermode
  • Patent number: 5928249
    Abstract: Cervical dam for capturing liquid draining from uterus during gynecological procedures while simultaneously providing an aperture through the cervical dam for insertion and manipulation of a medical device. The aperture may be a preformed slit elastomeric aperture, a duck billed valve, a multi-disc elastomeric valve, or a universal seal. The cervical dam includes a drainage port through the body of the cervical dam, a drainage tube attached to the drainage port, and a handle, which may be detachable, affixed to the cervical dam for placement, manipulation and removal of the cervical dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Seth A. Stabinsky
  • Patent number: 5879347
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating body tissue using controlled application of heat includes an catheter having an expandable device defining a fluid reservoir about the distal end of the catheter. Fluid is provided to the fluid reservoir through a fluid supply conduit, and fluid drains from the fluid reservoir via a fluid drainage conduit. The apparatus includes a first pressure control valve that controls the outflow of fluid through the fluid drainage conduit, so that fluid pressure within the fluid reservoir is maintained within a desired range. The apparatus may also include a second pressure control valve that drains the fluid reservoir in case of an overpressure, such as may occur upon failure of the first pressure control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Vahid Saadat
  • Patent number: 5827269
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermal coagulation and more particularly to a system for applying heat to the endometrium of a human uterus of the type comprising a heated balloon catheter having a reciprocating piston for improved circulation of fluid within a distensible bladder. The present invention includes a heated balloon catheter having a fluid delivery tube connected to a distensible bladder. The catheter further includes a reciprocating piston which moves along a linear path within the distensible bladder to cause vigorous fluid agitation therein. The agitation caused by the piston efficiently mixes the fluid within the balloon without requiring hot fluid to circulate through the fluid delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Vahid Saadat
  • Patent number: 5800493
    Abstract: An apparatus, and method for endometrial ablation by heating an inflation medium within a distensible bladder positioned within a uterus of a patient. The apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member, a handle, a distensible bladder and a heating element disposed within said distensible bladder. The system includes a controller configured for providing and regulating electric current to the heating element. The controller also includes a pressure sensor for regulating the pressure in the distensible bladder. Pressure and temperature displays and other operator controls are located on the controller unit. The method for performing endothelial ablation comprises inserting the distensible bladder and a portion of the tubular member into a uterus of a patient. The inflation medium within the distensible bladder is heated by providing electric current to the resistive wire of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Gynecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Gail Stevens, Todd A. Thompson, Steven A. Daniel, Robert D. Warner