Methods and devices for occluding an ovarian pathway

Abstract

Methods and devices of sterilization by which the ovarian pathway is occluded by a plug, wherein placement of the plug may be visually confirmed. Other methods and devices are also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An occluding device for occluding a body lumen comprising:
 a plug comprising:
 an inner core; and 
 a porous polymer material surrounding the inner core; and 
   a radiopaque marker disposed within the plug.   
     
     
         2 . The occluding device of  claim 1 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises a wire. 
     
     
         3 . The occluding device of  claim 2 , wherein the porous polymer material and inner core each comprise silicone. 
     
     
         4 . The occluding device of  claim 3 , wherein the wire is flat. 
     
     
         5 . The occluding device of  claim 3 , wherein the wire is round. 
     
     
         6 . The occluding device of  claim 3 , wherein the wire is coiled. 
     
     
         7 . The occluding device of  claim 3 , wherein the wire extends through a center of the plug. 
     
     
         8 . The occluding device of  claim 3 , wherein the wire extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the plug. 
     
     
         9 . The occluding device of  claim 3 , wherein the wire comprise a metal or metal alloy. 
     
     
         10 . The occluding device of  claim 3 , wherein the plug further comprises gas bubbles trapped in a substance. 
     
     
         11 . The occluding device of  claim 1 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises particles, and the plug is doped with the particles. 
     
     
         12 . The occluding device of  claim 11 , wherein the porous polymer material and inner core each comprise silicone. 
     
     
         13 . The occluding device of  claim 12 , wherein the particles are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, metal alloy, and metal oxide. 
     
     
         14 . The occluding device of  claim 12 , wherein the particles are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of tungsten, tungsten oxide, tungsten trioxide, stainless steel, silver iodide, and an iodinated organic compound. 
     
     
         15 . The occluding device of  claim 12 , wherein the plug further comprises gas bubbles trapped in a substance.