VASOCONSTRICTOR FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERY THEREOF

摘要

Method and apparatus (100, 161, 200, 215, 300, 400, 450, 500, 600, 650) are disclosed for applying a therapeutic amount of a non-systemic vasoconstrictor inside the uterus (12) to control abnormal uterine bleeding. The abnormal bleeding can be due to excessive menstrual blood flow, bleeding from a surgical procedure, postpartum bleeding or any other acute or chronic condition. The vasoconstrictor includes topical agents such as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, for example oxymetazoline. The delivery system (100, 200) can include a catheter having means for retaining position of a distal portion (102) within the uterus (12). A proximal portion (104) can extend outside of the body for coupling to a vasoconstrictor source, or alternatively, the proximal portion (104) can terminate within the vaginal canal (20) and include a docking port (154) for coupling to a source of vasoconstrictor that is inserted therein. In other embodiments, an applicator (161, 215, 300, 400, 450, 500, 600, 650) is disclosed that is positioned in fluid communication with the lumen of the cervix (24) and allows application of a vasoconstrictor therein.