Abstract: A catamenial collector, in an embodiment, has a receptacle with a flexible hollow rim capable of inflation and has a handle with substantially the length of a female vagina. The collector may have a string, in one embodiment, extending through the rim and at least a portion of the handle so that a pulling force axially applied to a string end causes the receptacle to close. In another embodiment, an elastic member is so configured that deflation of the rim also causes the receptacle to close. The collector and associated methods of use provide for the sanitary collection and disposal of menses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming hydrogel systems in situ are provided using a delivery system configured to deliver two or more fluent prepolymer solutions without premature crosslinking. The delivery system comprises separate first and second lumens coupling first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, respectively, and may include a balloon, flexible distal region, mixing chamber or steerable distal end. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The female vaginal douche with cervical shield is a unique device with a wide range of health implications. The device is unique because there is no existing device available that offers the ability to cleanse the vaginal mucosa without allowing a forceful flow of fluid, debris, and bacteria (both commensal and pathogenic), into the uterine cervix. At present, when vaginal douching takes place, there is no barrier in place to protect or shield the cervix from this potentially harmful practice. By combining the vaginal douche applicator with an attached cervical shield, access to the uterine cervix will be limited. The limitation theoretically prevents microorganisms from entering the upper female genital tract. Shielding the cervix during vaginal douching has the potential to prevent serious pelvic infections including pelvic inflammatory disease, tuboovarian abscess, endometritis, as well as female factor infertility and potentially life threatening ectopic pregnancy.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus for treating tissues or atherosclerosis on a patient having a prior angioplasty procedure, the ablation apparatus comprising a rapid exchange stented balloon catheter having a reversibly collapsible stent secureed around the balloon and RF energy applied through the deployed stent to the tissue underlying the stent for therapeutic ablation purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of volume deficiency disorders of body structures and related syndromes, and more particularly to devices that deliver fluid at a controlled pressure into a balloon situated within or adjacent a body cavity to effect tissue expansion. The invention also provides methods for expanding volumetrically deficient structures. Methods of delivering fluid at a controlled pressure into an inflatable balloon are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for staunching uterine bleeding comprising an expandable balloon and a tubular handle connected therewith for the insertion of the balloon into the uterine cavity, which can be connected to a fluid source for pressurizing the balloon to effecting and maintain the expansion thereof. The balloon is dimensioned to fill the uterine cavity at expansion and to exert pressure against the bounding wall thereof over substantially the total surface of the wall. The device further includes a pump and control unit and a hose connected to one end thereof with the handle at the other end thereof with a connection element for connecting to a fluid source. The hose can be detachable mounted to the pump and control unit in operative co-operation therewith and forms together with the balloon and the handle a separate unit for one-way use.

Abstract: Devices intended for deployment into interior body regions employ a catheter tube, which carries an expandable structure. The catheter tube extends along a first axis, while the expanded geometry of the structure is oriented about a second axis, which is not aligned with the first axis. The asymmetry between the two axes permits deployment of the expandable structure in a symmetric fashion with respect to the natural axis of a targeted interior body region, even when the targeted interior body region is either asymmetric in geometry or otherwise requires access along a path that is not aligned with the natural axis. The structure can include spaced apart end regions, which provide a non-conical diameter transition between the diameter of the catheter tube and the larger diameter of the expanded structure.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved balloon catheter for cervical dilation having a shape when inflated that is larger in diameter at the portions of the balloon that extend into the cervix and vagina, and is narrower in diameter at the middle, or cervical portion. This improved shape of the inflated catheter allows an easier and simplified placement of the catheter in a patient and retention of the catheter in position during cervical dilation.

Abstract: An intravaginal inflatable member impermeable to fluids adapted to collect upon inflation, menstrual blood and also capable of provide sealable closure of the vaginal canal for the prevention of vaginal exit of menstrual blood. By being inflatable, the device is easily inserted and removed when deflated and is also capable of sealing off the blood collected avoiding the spillage of blood upon extraction and disposal. The inflation of the device can be conveniently initiated prior to insertion into vagina and completed with the device fully inserted or can be initiated and completed with the device already inserted into the vagina. Inflation of the device can be achieved without the use of an external pneumatic source, but with a self-inflating apparatus within the device. The inflatable member can be used as a standing alone device or in combination with a vaginal tampon for the prevention of blood leakage.

Abstract: A uterine access catheter system comprises an inner catheter and a sleeve catheter slidably disposed over the inner catheter. The inner catheter is a balloon catheter having an elastomeric balloon near its distal end and suitable for performing hysterosalpingography procedures. The sleeve catheter includes an occluding member near its distal end, and the inner catheter and outer catheter may be used together to seal against and engage the cervix of a patient undergoing hysterosalpingography or other genealogical procedures. The sleeve catheter is locked to the inner catheter, typically relative by relative rotation of the two catheters. The occluding member may be detachable and reusable. Means may be provided for drawing a vacuum between the occluding member and the balloon to further engage the cervical os.

Abstract: A method of automated prolonged slow release artificial intrauterine insemination is disclosed wherein motile sperm are introduced into the uterus in a programmed, organized and metered pattern over an extended period of time. A catheter is inserted into the uterine cavity and aliquots of sperm containing medium are injected at a rate of 10 to 20 mm/hr (approximately every 30 seconds) for between 4 to 6 hours. The motile sperm content of each aliquot is between 8,000 to 75,000. Preferably, the method is carried out with the use of a novel delivery device. The device of the present invention comprises a flexible catheter having a delivery channel, a first end attachable to a pumping means, and a second end (uterine end) adapted to pass through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. The catheter is provided with an inflatable balloon adjacent the second end. Upon inflation of the balloon, the catheter is immobilized in the vagina.

Abstract: An occlusion implant device for small body lumens consisting of a micromachined monocrystalline silicon disk which has inherently spring loaded integral helical wings which when released by the insertion device anchors the implant in position. The device may be used for contraception vasco-occlusion for treatment of aneurysms and with an aperture therethrough may also be utilized as a stent. Alternatively, a micro mold of silicon may be formed and a metal or plastic disk produced by injection molding.

Abstract: A colpotomy assembly 10 is adapted for insertion into a vaginal cavity for use in female pelvic surgical procedures employing the inflation of an abdominal cavity with a gas to facilitate the accessability to and visibility of female pelvic organs. The assembly has a vaginal extender 20, a uterine manipulator 16 and a flexible occluder. The occluder being mounted on a shaft of the uterine manipulator such that it permits relative movement of the shaft 26 during use.

Abstract: A side-cutting atherectomy catheter with a housing containing a tissue-removal means, a window on one side, and a large volume inflatable support on the opposite side. The large volume inflatable support has a maximum diameter larger than the diameter of the cutter housing, generating a greater degree of contact with a blood vessel's interior diameter than conventional balloon-housing configurations. This feature stabilizes the cutter housing and improves tissue-removal during the atherectomy procedure. Large volume inflatable supports have a maximum inflated diameter at least 1.1 times, and preferably 1.35 times, greater than the diameter of the housing. The supports may be formed from either elastic or inelastic materials. When formed from inelastic materials, the supports have slack material when uninflated which can extend into and become entangled with the cutter window. To prevent this problem, the large volume inflatable support is constrained when uninflated.

Abstract: A speculum is comprised of a shaft member having a cavity passing therethrough and an outer layer and an inner layer with a bladder, capable of holding a bio-acceptable liquid, disposed therebetween. At least one guide member runs along the lateral length of the shaft member within the cavity. An end cap is attached to one end of the shaft member and an expansion cap is rotatably received within the end cap. A coil spring has one end attached to one of the at least one guide members proximate the distal end of the shaft member and the opposing end attached to the expansion cap. Rotation of the expansion cap into the end cap causes lateral length reduction of the spring which increases coil diameter and thus shaft member diameter and thereby increases the lumen of the device. Counter-rotation of the expansion cap out of the end cap causes coil turn and shaft member diameter reduction.

Abstract: A method of delivering an agent to an organ from the group consisting of a bladder or a uterus. The method utilizes a catheter having an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion of the catheter is inserted into the organ and is inflated so that it expands the organ. The agent is then delivered from the inflatable portion into the wall of the organ. The agent may be prevented from escaping the organ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure for supporting and positioning medical equipment with respect to a patients. The support structure includes a support plate for positioning external to the patient. The support plate has a weight bearing area for positioning beneath the patient so that the patient's weight rests on the support plate to securely hold the support plate in place. The support structure also includes a mounting bracket which can be removably secured to a piece of medical equipment, such as a speculum, so that the proximal end of the speculum is generally positioned over a first end of the support plate and the distal end of the speculum extends over the support plate in the direction of a second end support plate. The present invention also relates to a method of accessing a medical treatment site using the support structure and speculum.

Abstract: Inflatable dual-walled speculums, used for gynecological examinations, that are controllably inflated by the patient with a warmed fluid are provided. A retaining device inserted after inflation of the speculum provides a base and safety for the use of other instruments during the examination. Control of the device by the patient results in a more comfortable examination environment for the patient.

Abstract: A dilating speculum comprises a tubular body (8) adapted for connection at one end to an eye-piece and light source, a tubular probes (11) adapted to be inserted into the vagina or other body cavity and comprising an outer probe part (13) detachably secured to the tubular body (8) and an inner probe part (12) lodged within the bore of the outer part (13). An inflatable latex (15) sheath surrounds a length of the probe (11) and is sealed thereto at each end of that length. The seal at one end is effected by virtue of an end portion of the sheath (15) being sandwiched between the two probe parts (12, 13) and at the other end by a stretched elastic ring (35) encircling the probe (11) and sheath (15). A passage (24, 23, 25, 28, 29) through the body (8) and probe (11) allows the sheath (15) to be inflated between the seals.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating an anatomic space in tissue in a body includes an introducer device having a tubular member with a bore extending therethrough. A tunneling shaft assembly is slidably mounted in the bore of the introducer device. The tunneling shaft assembly includes a tunneling shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A blunt tip is secured to the distal extremity of the tunneling shaft. A balloon assembly is provided. The balloon assembly is removably secured to the tunneling shaft. The balloon assembly includes a deflated collapsed balloon. A sheath encloses the balloon and is carried by the tunneling shaft. The sheath has a weakened region extending longitudinally thereof permitting the sheath to be removed to release the balloon.

Abstract: An endocardial ablation and mapping apparatus is introduced into a heart chamber for mapping to detect arrhythmogenic foci, and ablate endocardium at the arrhythmogenic foci. An inflatable, flexible porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution, and become inflated to substantially conform a conductive surface of the membrane to the wall of the heart chamber. A membrane support is surrounded by the membrane, and includes a sealed proximal end and a sealed distal end. Each end has an aperture formed therein defining a central lumen in the membrane support that permits blood flow through the support member and the heart chamber. The membrane support is attached to the membrane and is expanded to a non-distensible state when the membrane is inflated. A catheter, with a distal end, is attached to the membrane or the membrane support.

Abstract: An intravaginal inflatable member providing sealable closure of the vaginal canal for the prevention of exit of menstrual blood, or other organic fluids from the vaginal orifice. The intravaginal inflatable member can be used alone or in combination with blood absorbing devices such as intravaginal tampons for the prevention of blood leakage.

Abstract: A hand-held gynecologic instrument for use in manipulating a uterus comprises an elongate body and a handle with a contour. An actuating lever used to control uterine movement is operable by the same hand that grips the handle. A uterus manipulation member pivotally connected to the elongate body comprises a tube formed with a shallow curve and fitted with an elastomeric tip and an irrigation conduit. The tube is releasably connected to a pivot block which has a tapered bore. A tapered bushing which mates with the bore is disposed about the tube. The tube and bushing are releasably secured by a nut to permit alteration of the effective length and rotational position of the tube to accommodate different uteruses. The pivot block is pivotally connected to the elongate body and to one end of a rod. The rod's other end is pivotally connected to the actuating lever to translate movement of the actuating lever into pivotal movement of the pivot block and hence into rotation of the tube about the anteverting axis.

Abstract: A disposable uterine manipulator including a pivotable tip support at the distal end of an elongated insertion rod for carrying a manipulator tip assembly, the tip support being rotatable by a manual drive at the proximal end of the insertion rod via a drive linkage to effectuate a range of rotation of the tip support of at least greater than 90.degree. anteversion and at least greater than 30.degree. retroversion. The manual drive may be an articulated linkage, a belt drive, or an axle drive. Several designs for a manipulator tip assembly including a balloon and a dye injection passage are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for non-surgical entry into the cervical canal or the uterus, comprising an elongated tubular catheter body. An inflatable balloon manufactured from a polyurethane material is disposed proximal to the distal end of the catheter body. The polyurethane inflatable balloon can be progressively inflated into an elliptical shape which enables the balloon to be used within the cervical canal. Additional inflation pressure inflates the polyurethane inflatable balloon to a spherical shape which enables the balloon to be used within the uterus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the time-released delivery of a selected preparation into a patient's uterine cavity. The apparatus includes an osmotic pump for expelling the selected preparation over time and a catheter for delivery the expelled preparation into the uterine cavity. An inflatable balloon on the catheter holds the apparatus in position in the patient.

Abstract: A uterus maneuvering apparatus comprising a lengthwise elongated boom, and a strut carried at one end of the boom to be pivoted relative to the boom, the strut and boom adapted to be inserted via the vaginal canal to locate the strut to project in the uterine cavity; actuator structure associated with the boom and strut for effecting controlled pivoting of the strut and worm gear mechanism through which drive to effect said pivoting is effected. Control structure may be provided for controlling the actuator structure, and including a servo system having an extra-corporeal manual control structure, for coupling between the manual control structure and actuator structure, the coupling including electrical signal transmission structure.

Abstract: A uterus maneuvering method involving the use of a lengthwise elongated boom, and a strut carried at one end of the boom to be pivoted relative to the boom, the strut and boom adapted to be inserted via the vaginal canal to locate the strut to project in the uterine cavity; actuator structure associated with the boom and strut, manipulable for effecting controlled pivoting of the strut; and control structure manipulable for controlling the actuator structure, and including a servo system having an extra-corporeal manual control structure, for coupling between the manual control structure and actuator structure, the coupling including electrical signal transmission structure.

Abstract: A speculum comprises a pair of elongated blades having elongated hollow bills therein. Each bill is at least partly covered by a flexible expandable bladder. One or more ports communicate between the interior of each bill and the interior of the bladder. Gas lines are connected to each bill for supplying compressed gas to a valve to each bill to expand each bladder. A second valve can be activated for deflating each bladder. For use, the speculum blades are inserted into a body cavity and the bladders inflated to gently expand the body cavity. Blades can then be moved apart to perform an examination. When the examination is completed, the blades are moved toward each other and the bladders are deflated before the blades are withdrawn from the body cavity.

Abstract: An expandable bladder type wound dilatation device which is specially designed to be introduced into puncture wounds of various sizes and shapes in order to effectively arrest internal bleeding. The novel design of the device makes it very effective in mechanically constricting broken capillaries and small blood vessels located in the area of the puncture wound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a significantly improved diagnostic tool and procedure for radiation therapy in or near body cavities accessible through existing orifices. This invention makes use of a flexible catheter and balloon. The balloon is inflated by fluid communication through the catheter. This invention makes use of several preferable embodiments which provide radiopaque references, seals, control of movement, and drainage. The radiopaque references are provided by means of radiopaque lines painted on the balloon's interior or exterior surface, by means of the use of radiopaque fluid to inflate the balloon, or by means of a slidable clip made of radiopaque material which is positioned at the patient's orifice. Sealing is provided by means of the slidable clip which also permits adjustment of the balloon size and shape. Control of movement is achieved through the use of a small balloon usually located near the patient's orifice.

Abstract: A system for controlling drainage of the female bladder comprising a valved catheter, a stylet for placing the catheter in the female urethra, and a spike for opening the valve in the catheter to allow voiding of the contents of the bladder. The system also includes a sizing device for determining the length of the urethra so that the proper fitting catheter is used. The catheter comprises a hollow shaft with a extendable holding portion on one end for placement through the urethra and a crown on the other end for placement external of the body. The valve nay integral with the shaft or insertable after the catheter is placed in the urethra.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus has a balloon that is inserted into an organ of a body and ablates all or a selected portion of the inner layer of the organ. Electrolytic solution fills the balloon, and the balloon includes a plurality of apertures from which electrolytic solution flows from the balloon. The flow rate of electrolytic solution is dependent on the pressure applied to the balloon by the electrolytic solution. A conforming member, with a conductive surface and a back side, is made of a material that substantially conforms to a shape of the inner layer of the organ and delivers the electrolytic solution and RF energy through the conductive surface to the inner layer. Advantageously, difficult to access areas are reached with the inclusion of the conforming member. Optionally positioned between the conforming member and the balloon is a porous membrane. A printed circuit is printed in or on the conforming member and delivers RF energy to selected sections of the inner layer.

Abstract: A system for controlling drainage of the female bladder comprising a valved catheter, a stylet for placing the catheter in the female urethra, and a spike for opening the valve in the catheter to allow voiding of the contents of the bladder which also includes sensing and transmission means incorporated therein. The valve which may be integral with the shaft or located in a cap on the shaft may be manually operated or opened electronically by a signal transmitted from an external source.

Abstract: A uterine manipulating device is provided which provides an improved handle and locking element for holding the handle in a desired position relative to the frame to which it is pivotally connected. The locking element may include a latch element for holding the handle relative to the frame in a selected one of a plurality of slots defined in the frame. Alternatively, the locking element may include a clamp for permitting the handle to be held relative to the frame in any desired position through its range of motion, The inventor hereof also includes a method of supporting a uterine manipulator during surgery including supporting the manipulator by flexible material passed through the handle and tied or otherwise attached to the legs of the patient.

Abstract: A catheter for fallopian tube access comprising an elongated catheter body having a proximal region, a distal end and an elongated passage extending from the proximal region to the distal end. The elongated passage terminates in a distal opening at the distal end. The catheter body has an enlarged distal body portion and the distal opening is on the distal body portion. The distal body portion has a deflecting surface in the elongated passage adjacent the distal opening for directing a member or fluid passed through the elongated passage out of the distal opening along a path having a component which extends laterally of the catheter body.

Abstract: An apparatus to establish access into the uterus and the fallopian tubes of a female for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures includes a cervical access catheter, an ostial access catheter insertable through the cervical access catheter, and a fallopian access catheter insertable through the ostial access catheter. The cervical access catheter incorporates a distally located intrauterine balloon which is inflatable after insertion into the uterus. The cervical access catheter also incorporates a cervical retention disk which can be slid into position against the anterior lip of the cervix to anchor the cervical access catheter into the cervical canal between the intrauterine balloon and the cervical disk. Once the cervical access catheter is properly anchored, the ostial access catheter is inserted through the cervical access catheter.

Abstract: An insertable intracavity probe for use in magnetic resonance imaging of an area of interest in a relatively inaccessible region of the body is disclosed. The probe has an internal pickup coil carried at the distal end of a shaft for rectal insertion of the coil and an inflatable anti-migration cuff to hold the probe in position and prevent outward migration thereof during a procedure. The anti-migration cuff is carried on an outer sleeve which is slidably and rotatably mounted on the shaft. The coil is carried on a resilient tip structure at the distal end of the shaft which is flexible in the plane normal to the plane of the coil. Deflection of the coil assembly is controlled by a pair of control lines attached to the distal end of the tip structure. The lines may be selectively tensioned to deflect the coil in the direction of tension by a thumb wheel control at the handle of the probe.

Abstract: A system for controlling drainage of the female bladder comprising a valved catheter, a stylet for placing the catheter in the female urethra, and a spike for opening the valve in the catheter to allow voiding of the contents of the bladder. The system also includes a sizing device for determining the length of the urethra so that the proper fitting catheter is used. The catheter comprises a hollow shaft with a extendable sealing portion on one end for placement through the urethra and a crown on the other end for placement external of the body. The valve may be integral with the shaft or insertable after the catheter is placed in the urethra.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a generally annular bladder which is fluidly expandable so as to apply an outwardly-directed radial force against soft tissues. The inner and outer annular bladder walls are formed of a flexible resilient material with elastic properties to permit a variable amount of expansion in predetermined directions. A tube extending from the bladder connects the bladder to a three-way valve which is used to selectively inflate, by means of an attached pump, or to exhaust the bladder. A plurality of baffles within the bladder provide the retractor with a generally cylindrical shape. A woven fabric matrix is mounted to the inner annular wall to control expansion thereof. Pockets formed in the woven material permits the introduction of puncture- and incision-resistant shields to prevent accidental puncture of the bladder.

Abstract: A cervical canal obturator and infusing catheter comprises a threaded metal tube formed at one end with a balloon adapted to be expanded and snugly fit against the internal cervical os while a ring threaded onto the tube bears against the external cervical canal and is locked against unscrewing by a locking nut also on the outer tube. An inner tube within the outer tube can deliver an infusing or antibiotic solution into the uterus or withdraw amniotic fluid and can be held in the outer tube between a pair of plugs said into the outer tube.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating uterine prolapses in livestock. Firstly, clean and manually reposition the uterine prolapse. Secondly, insert an internal uterine support through a cervix and deep into a uterus of an animal thereby supporting the positioning of the uterus. Thirdly, block the removal of the internal uterine support for sufficient time to permit the cervix of the animal to contract. Fourthly, withdraw the internal uterine support once the cervix of the animal has contracted. The apparatus has an inflatable supporting member serving as the internal uterine support. The supporting member is positioned on an elongate member which is insertable through a cervix and into a uterus of the animal. When expanded the supporting member is of a size sufficient to provide internal uterine support and when contracted the supporting member can be withdrawn through the contracted cervix without causing discomfort to the animal.

Abstract: A seal for a medical device such as a catheter is formed between two parts of the device which are capable of movement relative to each other, either axially, rotationally or both. The seal is formed by opposing sealing surfaces on each of the two parts, the surfaces being sufficiently smooth and of sufficiently close proximity that liquids having viscosities on the order of those normally used in catheters will not pass between the surfaces due to such effects as surface tension and friction. In certain embodiments, the surfaces are arranged to permit liquid to pass at a controlled rate for purposes of perfusion when desired, or the surfaces can be moved relative to one another to achieve this capability.

Abstract: A vaginal cervical retractor used to maneuver and visualize the uterus during various medical examinations and procedures would include an inner tube provided with a movable pair of plastic caps designed to be inserted into the uterine cavity. A cervical cap is secured to this tube to insure that the tube would not extend beyond a certain distance into the uterus. A hollow outer shaft is provided into which the inner tube can be inserted.

Abstract: A plurality of expandable and deformable intraluminal vascular grafts are expanded within a blood vessel by an angioplasty balloon associated with a catheter to dilate and expand the lumen of a blood vessel. The grafts may be thin-walled tubular members having a plurality of slots disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular members, and adjacent grafts are flexibly connected by a single connector member disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular members.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for dilating an obstructed lumen in the human body has a specially shaped balloon which, when inflated, has a proximal end cone having a relatively small cone angle and a distal end cone with a relatively large cone angle. The catheter is used in a procedure in which it is inserted into the obstructed lumen, with the ballon in the deflated condition and with the balloon advanced through and past the obstructed region. The balloon then is inflated and then is drawn back through the constricted region to dilate it progressively by the proximal cone of the balloon. Also disclosed are improved techniques relating to use of balloon catheters in the treatment of fallopian tube disorders including procedures for treating hydrosalpinx, for tubal manipulation and for GIFT procedures.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing the uterus to manipulate it or to introduce fluids or other devices into it. The device includes a shaft having a first, expandable distal member which is inserted into the uterus and a second, inflatable proximal member which is inserted partially into the cervical canal. The proximal member automatically adjusts to the length of the cervical canal upon inflation because only the proximal portion of the proximal member which is outside of the cervical canal expands. During use of the device, the distal member is expanded within the uterus and the shaft is withdrawn proximally until the expanded distal device contacts the internal os of the cervix. The proximal member is then inflated proximal to the exterior os of the cervix. The distal portion of the proximal member lies within and is obstructed by the cervical canal. The distal and proximal members thereby cooperate to securely couple the shaft to the uterus by automatically adjusting to the length of the cervical canal.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for dilating an obstructed lumen in the human body has a specially shaped balloon which, when inflated, has a proximal end cone having a relatively small cone angle and a distal end cone with a relatively large cone angle. The catheter is used in a procedure in which it is inserted into the obstructed lumen, with the balloon in the deflated condition and with the balloon advanced through and past the obstructed region. The balloon then is inflated and then is drawn back through the constricted region to dilate it progressively by the proximal cone of the balloon. Also disclosed are improved techniques relating to use of balloon catheters in the treatment of fallopian tube disorders including procedures for treating hydrosalpinx, for tubal manipulation and for GIFT procedures.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum has a sheet member of inherently resilient material capable of being rolled into a normal position in which the member forms a narrow generally elongate shape. The sheet member is expandable under its inherent resilience to a dilated position in which the member forms a hollow generally open ended elongate shape having a substantially continuous sidewall. The sheet member is provided with first and second handle members which are atttached to the sheet member along left and right edges, respectively.