Medical system and method of use

Abstract

An instrument and method for applying thermal energy to targeted tissue. An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a vapor source comprising a pump configured for providing a flow of liquid media from a liquid media source into a vaporization chamber having a heating mechanism, actuating the pump to provide the liquid into the vaporization chamber, applying energy from the heating mechanism to convert a substantially water liquid media into a minimum water vapor level for causing an intended effect in tissue. For examples such levels can comprise at least 60% water vapor, at least 70% water vapor, at least 80% water vapor or at least 90% water vapor for causing an intended effect in tissue.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of ablating an endometrium of a uterus, the method comprising:
 inserting a probe working end through a cervix into the uterus, the probe comprising a delivery lumen, an exit port, and a balloon disposed proximal to the exit port;   expanding the balloon such that the balloon prevents retrograde flow from the uterus;   after expanding the balloon:
 delivering a pharmacological agent to the uterus; 
 delivering vapor media from a vapor source to the uterus while controlling a pressure within the uterus; and 
 condensing the vapor media to thereby release heat of vaporization to ablate at least portions of the endometrium. 
   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein delivering the pharmacological agent to the uterus comprises delivering the pharmacological agent from a pharmacological agent source through the delivery lumen. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pharmacological agent is delivered to the uterus before delivering the vapor media to the uterus. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pharmacological agent and the vapor media are delivered to the uterus simultaneously. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the pharmacological agent is mixed with the vapor media. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein pharmacological agent comprises an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic, or an anesthetic agent. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein controlling the pressure within the uterus comprises maintaining the pressure in the uterus between 0.1 psi and 50 psi. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein controlling the pressure within the uterus comprises maintaining the pressure in the uterus between 0.2 psi and 10 psi. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein controlling the pressure within the uterus comprises maintaining the pressure in the uterus between 0.5 psi and 5 psi. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the vapor media comprises water vapor. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2  wherein delivering vapor media from the vapor source to the uterus comprises delivering the vapor media at a flow rate in a range of 0.001 ml/min to 20 ml/min. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 2  wherein delivering vapor media from the vapor source to the uterus comprises delivering the vapor media at an inflow pressure in a range of 0.5 psi to 1000 psi. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2  wherein delivering vapor media from the vapor source to the uterus comprises delivering the vapor media for an interval in a range of 0.1 seconds to 600 seconds. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein controlling the pressure within the uterus comprises maintaining the pressure in the uterus between 0.1 psi and 2 psi. (New) The method of  claim 2 , further comprising controlling a vapor quality of the vapor media delivered to the uterus. 
     
     
         17 . The method of claim  16 , wherein controlling the vapor quality of the vapor media delivered to the uterus comprises controlling an application of energy generated by an energy source. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the energy source is a radiofrequency energy source. 
     
     
         19 . The method of claim  16 , wherein controlling the vapor quality of the vapor media delivered to the uterus comprises generating vapor media that releases at least 300 cal/gm upon phase change of the vapor media. 
     
     
         20 . The method of claim  16 , wherein controlling the vapor quality of the vapor media delivered to the uterus comprises controlling a percentage of the vapor media that is pure vapor. 
     
     
         21 . The method of claim  16 , wherein controlling the vapor quality of the vapor media delivered to the uterus comprises flowing the vapor media through a microporous material proximate the vapor exit port.