Myoma/Polyp In-Office Treatment with Lasers

摘要

A noninvasive treatment of uterine growths such as myomas (fibroids) and polyps is presented. Treatment involves carrying out diagnostic hysteroscopy and ultrasound procedures to detect, measure, and evaluate unwanted uterine growths; then inserting optical fiber into a hysteroscope, reaching target tissue with optical fiber and eliminating said tissue or shrinking it to a size/shape for easy mechanical removal. Finally, ultrasound imaging is used to confirm success of procedure. In one embodiment, optical fiber has an off-axis firing end but can be inserted inside a conventional hysteroscopy device. In another embodiment, a laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) fiber is used to treat myomas found on the outside of the uterus. A high energy laser is used that can emit at wavelengths easily absorbed by water and blood, such as 980 nm and 1470 nm. Procedure is fast and can be done in the physician's office with little or no anesthesia used.

主权项

1. A method for the treatment of uterine growths comprising the steps of:
inserting a hysteroscope into uterus; assessing size, location and type of uterine growth; placing distal end of said hysteroscope to a position proximate to said uterine growth; inserting an optical waveguide, whose proximal end is connected to a radiation source and whose distal end comprises a radiation distribution device, into said hysteroscope; advancing said distal end of said waveguide through said distal end of said hysteroscope to a predetermined point; irradiating said uterine growth with radiation from said radiation source so as to cause reduction to a size/shape for easy mechanical removal or elimination by vaporization of said uterine growth; and, assessing results by ultrasound imaging.