Methods and apparatus for occluding reproductive tracts to effect contraception

Abstract

Systems and methods of visibly marking a reproductive tract, e.g., at least one ostium of the Fallopian tubes accessed transvaginally and transcervically, to indicate delivery of an occlusion device into the corresponding at least one Fallopian tube to effect contraception are disclosed. Marking is effected by delivery of a dye that stains the ostium and/or extension of the marking member from the delivered occlusion device into view in the uterine cavity or ostium. A catheter (or catheters) preferably introduced through a hysteroscope that illuminates and provides visualization of the uterine cavity and the ostia of the Fallopian tubes is employed to insert each contracted, stent-like, occluding device into each Fallopian tube and to mechanically expand or release to self-expand the occluding device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An occlusion system comprising:
 an occluding device comprising a radially expandable tubular body;   a delivery catheter coupled with the occluding device; and   an elongated slack suture comprising an attached end and a terminal end, the elongated slack suture connected with the tubular body at the attached end, wherein the elongated slack suture trails limply from the attached end.   
     
     
         2 . The occlusion system of  claim 1 , further comprising a permanent barrier that blocks the passage of human sperm or egg through the radially expandable tubular body. 
     
     
         3 . The occlusion system of  claim 2 , further comprising a push member within the delivery catheter, wherein the push member abuts against the occluding device. 
     
     
         4 . The occlusion system of  claim 3 , wherein the attached end of the elongated slack suture is tied to the occluding device. 
     
     
         5 . The occlusion system of  claim 3 , wherein the elongated slack suture is adapted to extend into a uterine cavity after the occluding device is installed within a fallopian tube. 
     
     
         6 . The occlusion system of  claim 3 , wherein the elongated slack suture is biodegradable. 
     
     
         7 . The occlusion system of  claim 3 , wherein the elongated slack suture is coated or embedded with a hydrophilic composition. 
     
     
         8 . The occlusion system of  claim 1 , further comprising an array of flaps. 
     
     
         9 . The occlusion system of  claim 8 , wherein the array of flaps are configured to extend outward from the delivery catheter and the elongated slack suture is adapted to extend into a uterine cavity after the occluding device is installed within a fallopian tube. 
     
     
         10 . The occlusion system of  claim 9 , wherein the array of flaps are configured to actively extend outward from bores.