Systems and Methods for Male Sterilization

Abstract

An energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a duct, to shrink, damage, or occlude the duct. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. In some embodiments, the duct can be a ductus deferens or an ejaculatory duct of the male reproductive system. Another feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can utilize an inflatable member to form a seal to contain the vapor media. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A male sterilization method comprising:
 advancing a vapor delivery tool into or proximate to a duct of a male reproductive system; and   delivering vapor media through the vapor delivery tool into the duct to occlude the duct.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising, prior to the advancing step:
 introducing the vapor delivery tool into or proximate to a patient's prostate. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the introducing step further comprises transurethrally introducing the vapor delivery tool into or proximate to the patient's prostate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the introducing step further comprises introducing an endoscope through the patient's urethra to the prostate; and
 introducing the vapor delivery tool through a channel in the endoscope. 
 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising manipulating a distal end of the vapor delivery tool into or proximate to the duct. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the advancing step comprises advancing the vapor delivery tool through a skin incision. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising forming a seal in the patient's urethra to contain the vapor media. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the seal directs the vapor media into the duct. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the step of forming the seal includes expanding an expandable member. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the step of forming the seal includes expanding an expandable portion of the vapor delivery tool. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vapor media damages a wall of the duct. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vapor media denatures collagen in the wall of the duct. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vapor media has a temperature of at least 60° C. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vapor media has a temperature between approximately 60° C. and 100° C. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vapor media is delivered for an interval ranging from approximately 0.1 second to 30 seconds. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the vapor media carries a second composition. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the second composition comprises a pharmacologic agent. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the second composition comprises a sealant. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the duct is an ejaculatory duct. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the duct is a ductus deferens. 
     
     
         21 . A system for male sterilization comprising:
 a vapor delivery probe configured for introduction into or proximate to a duct of a male reproductive system, the vapor delivery probe including a distal end configured to be advanced outwardly from the probe; and   a vapor media source in fluid communication with the vapor delivery probe, the vapor media source adapted to deliver a vapor media through the vapor delivery probe into the duct.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the vapor delivery probe is sized and configured for transurethral introduction into or proximate the duct. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the distal end further comprises a shape memory material configured provide a memory curved shape when advanced outwardly from the probe. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21  wherein condensable vapor has a temperature of approximately 60° to 100° C. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21  further comprising a controller configured to control a vapor delivery interval. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21  further comprising at least one expandable member configured to contain the vapor media. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26  wherein the at least one expandable member is an inflatable balloon.