METHODS AND DEVICES FOR FALLOPIAN TUBE DIAGNOSTICS

摘要

Methods and devices for performing minimally invasive procedures useful for Fallopian tube diagnostics are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the proximal os of the Fallopian tube is accessed via an intrauterine approach; an introducer catheter is advanced to cannulate and form a fluid tight seal with the proximal os of the Fallopian tube; a second catheter inside the introducer catheter is provided to track the length of the Fallopian tube and out into the abdominal cavity; a balloon at the end of the second catheter is inflated and the second catheter is retracted until the balloon seals the distal os of the Fallopian tube; irrigation is performed substantially over the length of the Fallopian tube; and the irrigation fluid is recovered for cytology or cell analysis.

主权项

1. A process of collecting cells from a tissue surface in a subject comprising:
deploying a distal end of a catheter at a proximal end of the tissue surface; everting a balloon extendible from the distal end of the catheter to contact the tissue surface with sufficient force to dislodge the cells from the tissue surface; and withdrawing said balloon from the subject to collect the cells.