Abstract: An implantable radially-porous, polymeric, scaffold device configured for insertion into and obstruct a Fallopian tube formed of a polymer such as collagen, nanocellulose, xanthan gum, konjac glucomannan, alginate, agar, agarose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan-alginate polylactic acid (PLA), polygultamic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone, or polydioxanone. The device is compressed and placed within a first end of an insertion tube adapted for insertion through the cervix into the Fallopian tube; the insertion tube having a plunger to expel the device from the tube. The method includes using the insertion tube containing the radially freeze-cast and freeze-dried implant. Under hysteroscopic guidance the tube is positioned in the Fallopian tube and the implant is expelled into the Fallopian tube. Epithelium of the Fallopian tube is disrupted; and ingrowth of cells into the implant is permitted.

Abstract: A biodegradable iron oxide nanoparticle gel for hyperthermia treatment of cancer includes a polysaccharide-based carrier matrix and starch-coated iron oxide nanoparticles. The gel has sufficient deformability to integrate into a diffuse tumor site, adheres to tissue and has sufficient mechanical properties to remain in place during hyperthermia treatment. The gel releases iron oxide nanoparticles for uptake by cancerous cells at the tumor margin.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods for 14 treatment, and occlusion of the fallopian tube. An elongated catheter (22) is placed into the isthmic region (14) of the fallopian tube (16) in a trans-cervical trans-uterine fashion, and a mono-pole antenna (92) is disposed within a distal end of the catheter. The antenna radiates microwave energy in resonance to a drive frequency into tissue of the isthmic region without physical contact between the mono-pole antenna, and the tissue. This heating causes occlusion after a period of time. Typically, the catheter, and the mono-pole antenna are disposable after one treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the antenna is formed from an extension of the inner conductor of a coaxial cable coupled to a microwave generator. A power control section (24) can be used to control, and apply the appropriate microwave power to the fallopian tube tissue.