Thermal ablation system

Abstract: A thermal ablation system comprises a fluid handling unit receiving fluid from a fluid source at a first pressure, the fluid handling unit including a heater heating the fluid to a desired temperature and a pump and an introducer including a sheath which, when in an operative position, is received within a hollow organ, the sheath including a delivery lumen introducing fluid heated by the heater to the hollow organ and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the hollow organ and returning the withdrawn fluid to the console via a return lumen, wherein the pump increases a pressure of the fluid between the fluid source and the delivery lumen of the introducer. (end of abstract)

Thermal ablation system description/claims

Brief Patent Description

Full Patent Description

Patent Application Claims

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the priority to the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/987,913, entitled “THERMAL ABLATION SYSTEM,” filed on Nov. 14, 2007. The specification of the above-identified application is incorporated herewith by reference.

BACKGROUND

Menorrhagia, excessive uterine bleeding during a prolonged menstrual period, has been attributed to disorders of the endometrial lining of the uterus. While a hysterectomy provides a definitive treatment for menorrhagia, physicians and patients may choose less invasive procedures to reduce side effects, prolonged hospital stays and procedural and post-operative discomfort.

Generally, the less invasive procedures employ electrical energy (e.g., RF energy), heat (e.g., laser) or cryogenic treatment. However, these procedures typically rely on direct visualization of the uterus and an experienced operator applying the energy, heat, etc. to selected portions of the uterine lining. Alternatively, the entire inner lining of the uterus may be treated by conduction uterine ablation, i.e., circulating a heated fluid through the uterus. In other similar procedures, the heated fluid may be contained within a balloon while circulating through the uterus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a thermal ablation system comprising a fluid handling unit receiving fluid from a fluid source at a first pressure, the fluid handling unit including a heater heating the fluid to a desired temperature and a pump and an introducer including a sheath which, when in an operative position, is received within a hollow organ, the sheath including a delivery lumen introducing fluid heated by the heater to the hollow organ and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the hollow organ and returning the withdrawn fluid to the console via a return lumen, wherein the pump increases a pressure of the fluid between the fluid source and the delivery lumen of the introducer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of a console of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a console of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a right side component of a console of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a valve assembly for a console of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a front side component of a console of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a chassis of a console of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows an outer view of an exemplary embodiment of a cassette of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows an inner view of an exemplary embodiment of a cassette of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of an introducer of a thermal ablation system according to the present invention;

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