Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for occluding blood vessels include a deployable constrictor having opposed pressure-applying portions, a delivery shaft configured to intravaginally advance the constrictor to the patient's cervix, a location sensor configured to detect a blood vessel, a deployment member for deploying the constrictor about the patient's cervix, and optionally a guide. The constrictor has a first configuration to receive a cervix and a second configuration to apply pressure to the cervical area to occlude a uterine artery by compression from the pressure-applying members. The pressure-applying members may be released from the cervix after a limited therapeutically effective time. The constrictor is for treating uterine disorders and conditions which may be treated by occlusion of the uterine arteries, such as uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, post-partum hemorrhage, and bleeding associated with caesarian sections.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to providing a method of preparing an anatomical vessel contained within a tissue bundle for ligation, including positioning a cannula adjacent to the tissue bundle, wherein the positioning is non-penetrating, the cannula including a first extendable member, a second extendable member, a Doppler wand, and a distal end, transmitting ultrasound signals toward the vessel through the tissue bundle with the Doppler wand, receiving ultrasound signals reflected by the vessel through the tissue bundle with the Doppler wand, invaginating the tissue bundle with the first extendable member on a first side of the tissue bundle, invaginating the tissue bundle with the second extendable member on a second side of the bundle opposite the first side, and interpenetrating a length of ligation material between the first and second extendable members on a side of the vessel opposite the cannula distal end.

Abstract: A system is provided for compressing one or both of the uterine arteries of a patient which is at least in part shaped to complement the shape of the exterior of the cervix, which allows the system to be self-positioning. One or more Doppler chips can be mounted or incorporated into the system which permit the practitioner to better identify the uterine artery and monitor blood flow therein. The system includes a pair of pivotally joined elements which can be moved toward and away from the cervix to compress a uterine artery.

Abstract: The invention provides a devices, methods and systems to measure and record uterine tissue environment components such as pH during the course of uterine artery occlusion. The uterus becomes ischemic due to the occlusion thereof, and its pH drops sharply within minutes of uterine artery occlusion and remains relatively low for a period of time. The return of normal pH is an indicator of return of blood to the ischemic tissue. In use, a catheter with a pH measuring tip is advanced through the patient's vaginal canal and into the patient's uterine cavity until the pH measuring active electrode on the distal end of the catheter contacts or penetrates the uterine fundus. The active electrode detects the pH and a signal representing pH is transmitted to a pH recording and monitoring device which preferably displays the pH. The signal may be transmitted through a conductor or by a radio transmitter. Components other than pH may be monitored such a pCO2, and pO2.

Abstract: The invention is directed to tenaculum-like devices and systems for the intravaginal delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic devices and particularly for occluding a female patient's uterine arteries in order to treat uterine disorders. Included are methods for grasping, manipulating and retaining tissue. The tenaculum-type device has a distal portion with a sound configured to enter a cervical os without causing undue trauma or discomfort to the patient, and a retention or tissue grasping mechanism with a grasping element such as a spike configured to engage and retain a patient's cervix. The tenaculum-type devices embodying features of the invention may have an expandable distal tip to more securely be engaged within the patient's uterine cervical canal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a uterine artery clamp and the relatively non-invasive treatment procedure utilizing this clamp. The uterine clamp includes a clamping member having a jaw with tissue-contacting surfaces for applying pressure to target tissue and a stabilizing member which is configured to be inserted into the patient's uterine cervical canal. The clamp may be provided with elongated handles to manually adjust the spacing between the jaw and stabilizer and thereby apply pressure to a uterine artery beneath a bundle of tissue held between the jaw and stabilizer. Uterine clamps embodying features of the invention by be used in procedures for treating uterine disorders such as fibroids, DUB, PPH and the like.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for grasping, manipulating and retaining tissue are provided. In different aspects, devices, systems and methods for locating tissue; for guiding instruments to tissue; for grasping tissue; and for retaining and manipulating tissue are provided. Such tissue may include the cervix of a female patient. A device may have a distal portion having a sound configured to enter a cervical os without causing undue trauma or discomfort to the patient, and a retention element such as a spike configured to engage and retain a patient's cervix. Devices may include a proximal portion, such as a handle. Devices may be configured to co-operate with other instruments. Cooperation with other instruments may include serving as a mount for instruments and guiding instruments. Such devices may aid in the placement and operation of instruments for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, such as, for example, treating uterine disorders and conditions.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for occluding blood vessels include a deployable constrictor having opposed pressure-applying portions, a delivery shaft configured to intravaginally advance the constrictor to the patient's cervix, a location sensor configured to detect a blood vessel, a deployment member for deploying the constrictor about the patient's cervix, and optionally a guide. The constrictor has a first configuration to receive a cervix and a second configuration to apply pressure to the cervical area to occlude a uterine artery by compression from the pressure-applying members. The pressure-applying members may be released from the cervix after a limited therapeutically effective time. The invention finds use in, for example, treating uterine disorders and conditions which may be treated by occlusion of the uterine arteries, such as uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, post-partum hemorrhage, and bleeding associated with caesarian sections.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for temporarily reducing or abolishing blood flow by occluding blood vessels are provided. A blood vessel-occlusion device embodying features of the invention includes a deployable pressure-applying member with a location sensor, and an applicator. The location sensor is configured to detect a blood vessel, which may be occluded by compression from the pressure-applying member. A pressure-applying member may be released from the applicator, with blood-vessel compression maintained after release. The applicator is configured to engage a guide, such as a tenaculum, to aid in the placement and operation of the applicator. A pressure-applying member may also engage the guide. The invention finds use in, for example, treating uterine disorders and conditions which may be treated by occlusion of the uterine arteries, such as uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, post-partum hemorrhage, and bleeding associated with caesarian section.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to providing a method of preparing an anatomical vessel contained within a tissue bundle for ligation, including positioning a cannula adjacent to the tissue bundle, wherein the positioning is non-penetrating, the cannula including a first extendable member, a second extendable member, a Doppler wand, and a distal end, transmitting ultrasound signals toward the vessel through the tissue bundle with the Doppler wand, receiving ultrasound signals reflected by the vessel through the tissue bundle with the Doppler wand, invaginating the tissue bundle with the first extendable member on a first side of the tissue bundle, invaginating the tissue bundle with the second extendable member on a second side of the bundle opposite the first side, and interpenetrating a length of ligation material between the first and second extendable members on a side of the vessel opposite the cannula distal end.

Abstract: A ligation device includes a cannula having first and second extendable members and a Doppler wand. The Doppler wand permits an anatomical vessel, such as a blood vessel, to be located in close proximity to the distal end of the cannula. The extendable members are extendable on two opposite sides of the vessel. A length of ligation material, such as suture material, extends through the first extendable member, and is attached to a detachable element mounted to the distalmost end of the extendable member. The second extendable member includes a snare. The first extendable member includes curved portions which, when the member is extended distally, extend the detachable element into position for the snare so that the snare can grab the loop. Once ensnared, the detachable element is released from the first extendable member, which pulls the ligation material around the vessel. The ligation device does not require prior visualization or dissection of the area around the vessel.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to providing a method of preparing an anatomical vessel contained within a tissue bundle for ligation, including positioning a cannula adjacent to the tissue bundle, wherein the positioning is non-penetrating, the cannula including a first extendable member, a second extendable member, a Doppler wand, and a distal end, transmitting ultrasound signals toward the vessel through the tissue bundle with the Doppler wand, receiving ultrasound signals reflected by the vessel through the tissue bundle with the Doppler wand, invaginating the tissue bundle with the first extendable member on a first side of the tissue bundle, invaginating the tissue bundle with the second extendable member on a second side of the bundle opposite the first side, and interpenetrating a length of ligation material between the first and second extendable members on a side of the vessel opposite the cannula distal end.

Abstract: A compression and ligation device includes a pair of jaws including one or more Doppler chips oriented to send and receive Doppler signals across the jaws, to assist a practitioner in determining whether or not a uterine artery is between the jaws. A suture leader with an attached suture can be pushed through a channel on one of the jaws, through tissue behind the uterine artery, into another channel on the other jaw, and proximally out the device so that the practitioner can ligate the artery and effect hemostasis.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems and methods for applying a luminal clip to occlude a body lumen, such as a blood vessel, duct, or lymph node are provided. Devices embodying features of the invention include an elongated pressure-applying member having a handle portion and a jaw portion with a clip-receiving surface; a sensor disposed on a jaw portion; and an energy transmission element connected to the sensor. The sensor may detect and/or locate a body lumen, and may be used to differentiate between a blood vessel and other body lumens. The device can apply a luminal clip to a body lumen to compress and to occlude the lumen. Occlusion may be partial or complete, and may be temporary or permanent. Occlusion of the uterine arteries may treat uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and other uterine disorders and conditions; clips may also be applied in cholecystectomy procedures, and in other medical procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for reducing or abolishing blood flow by occluding arteries. A non-invasive blood vessel occlusion device embodying features of the invention includes a pair of pressure-applying members with opposed tissue-contacting surfaces, a supporting shaft configured to adjust the distance between tissue-contacting surfaces, and at least one sensor for locating a blood vessel disposed on at least one pressure-applying member. Blood vessels may be occluded by indirectly compressing the artery by compressing tissue near to an artery. The invention finds use in, for example, treating uterine disorders and conditions which may be treated by occlusion of the uterine arteries. A uterine artery may be accessed via a body cavity, such as a patient's vagina, and may be occluded by compressing a portion of the vaginal wall around a portion of a uterine artery.

Abstract: Non-permanent occlusion of the uterine arteries is sufficient to cause the demise of uterine myomata without unnecessarily exposing other tissues and anatomical structures to hypoxia attendant to prior permanent occlusion techniques. A therapeutically effective transient time of occlusion of a uterine artery to treat uterine fibroid tumors is from 1 hours to 24 hours, and preferably is at least about 4 hours. A therapeutically effective temporary time of occlusion of a uterine artery to treat uterine fibroid tumors is from 1 day (24 hours) to 7 days (168 hours), and preferably is about 4 days (96 hours).

Abstract: Medical devices that are coated with an echogenic material that includes an electrically insulative base layer and an echogenic layer demonstrate both improved ultrasonic imaging and protection against RF electrical breakdown. The echogenic layer includes a polymeric matrix that (i) defines a plurality of void spaces, (ii) includes glass microsphere particles, or (iii) both defines a plurality of void spaces and includes glass microsphere particles. Medical instruments exhibit enhanced ultrasonic imaging even when viewed along their lengths.

Abstract: A system is provided for compressing one or both of the uterine arteries of a patient which is at least in part shaped to complement the shape of the exterior of the cervix, which allows the system to be self-positioning. One or more Doppler chips can be mounted or incorporated into the system which permit the practitioner to better identify the uterine artery and monitor blood flow therein. The system includes a pair of pivotally joined elements which can be moved toward and away from the cervix to compress a uterine artery.

Abstract: A system is provided for compressing one or both of the uterine arteries of a patient which is at least in part shaped to complement the shape of the exterior of the cervix, which allows the system to be self-positioning. One or more Doppler chips can be mounted or incorporated into the system which permit the practitioner to better identify the uterine artery and monitor blood flow therein. A tenaculum-like element can be further included which secures the system to the patient's cervix.

Abstract: Non-permanent occlusion of the uterine arteries is sufficient to cause the demise of uterine myomata without unnecessarily exposing other tissues and anatomical structures to hypoxia attendant to prior permanent occlusion techniques. A therapeutically effective transient time of occlusion of a uterine artery to treat uterine fibroid tumors is from 1 hours to 24 hours, and preferably is at least about 4 hours. A therapeutically effective temporary time of occlusion of a uterine artery to treat uterine fibroid tumors is from 1 day (24 hours) to 7 days (168 hours), and preferably is about 4 days (96 hours). By invaginating the tissues of the vaginal wall up to or around a uterine artery, collapse of the uterine artery can be achieved without penetrating tissue of the patient.