METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HYSTEROSCOPY AND ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY

摘要

Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling in a manner that requires only a single insertion of an elongate object through a cervical opening of a patient's uterus. The distal end of an elongate, hollow sampling sheath of an integrated medical device is inserted through the cervical opening and into the uterus. Fluid is infused through the hollow interior of a sampling sheath, and outward through a distal opening into the uterus. The uterus becomes distended by the positive fluid pressure, allowing visualization. The inside surface of the distended uterus is endoscopically viewed by manipulating the integrated medical device in a manner that directs an imaging module attached to the sampling sheath near the distal end to multiple viewing positions. The corresponding video images of the inside surface are viewed on an electronic display screen of the integrated medical device that is positioned near the proximal end of the sampling sheath. After the viewing, and before withdrawing the distal end of the sampling sheath from the uterus, suction is applied to the hollow interior of the sampling sheath, which causes the distending fluid in the uterus to flow back into the sampling sheath through the distal opening, which returns the uterus to a non-distended state. With the uterus in the non- distended state, suction is applied while the integrated medical device is manipulated within the uterus in a manner that causes a sample of endometrium to be sucked into the tubing. The sample of endometrium is severed by at least one sharp edge formed along the distal opening. The sample is thus trapped in the hollow interior of the sampling sheath. Methods and devices are also described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation in a manner that requires only a single insertion of an elongate object through a cervical opening of a patient's uterus.