Abstract: A localized heat applying medical device is provided for applying heat to tissue adjacent a patient's tubal ostia in order to close the patient's fallopian tubes and sterilize the patient. Procedures of performing sterilizations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A localized heat applying medical device is provided for applying heat to tissue adjacent a patient's tubal ostia in order to close the patient's fallopian tubes and sterilize the patient. Procedures of performing sterilizations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A localized heat applying medical device is provided for applying heat to tissue adjacent a patient's tubal ostia in order to close the patient's fallopian tubes and sterilize the patient. Procedures of performing sterilizations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue, Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's prostate. An endoscopic instrument is inserted through the patient's urethra such that a distal portion of the endoscopic instrument is inserted into the patient's prostatic urethra and engaged with an interior wall of the prostatic urethra. A laterally transmitting laser fiber tip of a laser fiber is placed in the endoscopic instrument adjacent to a window therein such that the tip is spaced laterally from an area of the interior wall of the prostatic urethra. Laser light energy is transmitted laterally from the tip through the window onto the interior wall for treatment thereof. A telescope may be placed adjacent the laser fiber tip so that the interior wall of the prostatic urethra may be viewed. Irrigating fluid may be provided from a source external of the patient through the endoscopic instrument to a proximity of the tip. Excess fluid may be returned through the instrument to a fluid dump zone external of the patient's body.

Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue. Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a rigid outer sheath having an inner sheath received therein. The outer sheath has a lateral window defined therein near a closed distal end of the outer sheath. The inner sheath carries a telescope and a laterally transmitting laser fiber tip. The laser fiber tip may be extended to a position laterally adjacent the open window while the telescope remains located proximal relative to the tip and the window, so that the tip and the tissue to be treated may be observed with the telescope while both the telescope and the tip remain within the outer sheath.

Abstract: A medical device applies localized heat to a site in a patient's body by irradiation with light and by conduction. The device includes a radiant energy transmitting conduit, typically an optic fiber, that carries radiant energy, typically high intensity light such as laser, into a body cavity, typically the uterus, from an energy source, typically a laser source, that is located exterior to the body. At the operative head of the device within the body cavity a portion of the transmitted radiant energy is absorbed and converted to heat. This heat is radiated or conducted from the device head substantially omnidirectionally in order to aid in destruction of tissue. Meanwhile, another portion of the transmitted radiant energy is emitted through an aperture in the device head as light energy suitable for more localized and intense heating and destruction of tissue or other organic matter. This light emission is preferably directionally transverse to an elongate body of the device head.

Abstract: A method is provided for sterilizing a female patient. The method includes inserting into the patient's uterus an elongated light transmitting conduit having a heat generating device on a distal end thereof. The heat generating device has a light transmitting aperture extending through a forward portion thereof. The heat generating device is maintained in fixed contact with an inner wall of the patient's uterus adjacent one of the patient's tubal ostia while transmitting light energy to the heat generating device to coagulate a substantial part of the interstitial portion of the patient's fallopian tube associated with the one of the patient's tubal ostia so that the fallopian tube is closed. A portion of the light energy transmitted through the conduit passes out through the aperture and through the tubal ostia into the fallopian tube to aid in coagulating the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube.