Method and apparatus for creating intrauterine adhesions

Abstract

An apparatus and method of use or treatment are disclosed for creating intrauterine adhesions resulting in amenorrhea. In particular, the apparatus relates to an easily deployed intrauterine implant that readily and consistently reduces or eliminates abnormal intrauterine bleeding. In addition, the apparatus is also used as a uterine marker device for visualizing endometrial tissue thickness and potential changes. The method of the present invention serves as a supplement to or a replacement for conventional hysterectomy or ablation/resection procedures used to treat menorrhagia.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . A device for occluding fluid flow from a uterus through a cervix comprising:
 a first end having a first diameter;   a second end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; and   a narrow portion interposed between the first end and the second end having a third diameter smaller than the second diameter.   
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein a portion of the device is hollow. 
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the first end comprises an opening into the hollow portion of the device. 
   
   
       21 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein one of said first and second ends is at least partially inserted into said cervix. 
   
   
       22 . A device for occluding fluid flow from a uterus through a cervix comprising:
 a rim;   an end portion having a first diameter; and,   a narrow portion associating the rim to the end portion and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.   
   
   
       23 . The device of  claim 22 , comprising a hollow portion. 
   
   
       24 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the rim defines an opening into a hollow portion. 
   
   
       25 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein a region between the rim and the narrow portion is formed in the shape of a cup. 
   
   
       26 . A device for occluding a uterine cavity comprising:
 a body having a collapsed state and an expanded state;   wherein said body is passable through a cervix into a uterus via a catheter in said collapsed state;   wherein when said body is in said expanded state, said body has a first end and a second end;   said first end having a dimension greater than a dimension of the second end; and   said second end contacting a cervix without extending through the cervix to a vagina when in the expanded state in a uterus.   
   
   
       27 . A method for occluding fluid flow from a uterus through a cervix, said method comprising the steps of:
 deploying a device over a cervix;   maintaining the device in contact with the cervix.   
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said step of deploying a device comprises implanting the device. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said step of maintaining the device in contact with the cervix comprises placing the device in the uterus such that uterine walls act against the device, thereby holding the device over the cervix. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said step of maintaining the device in contact with the cervix causes a fluid to fill the uterus. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said step of maintaining the device in contact with the cervix comprises pooling of the fluid in a hollow portion of the device. 
   
   
       32 . A method for changing the gynecological state of a female patient, said method comprising the steps of:
 passing a device in a collapsed state through a cervix into a uterus via a catheter;   expanding the device into an expanded state in the uterus; and   contacting the cervix with the device.   
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said step of passing a device comprises implanting the device. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said step of expanding the device into an expanded state comprises a self-expanding of the device. 
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said step of contacting the cervix comprises occluding the cervix. 
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said step of contacting the cervix causes a fluid to fill the uterus. 
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein said step of contacting the cervix comprises pooling of the fluid in a hollow portion of the device.