| 摘要 |
This invention is an apparatus, system, and method for endometrial ablation by heating an inflation medium (25) within a distensible bladder (27) positioned within a uterus (6) of a patient. The apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member (3), a handle (10), a distensible bladder (5), and a heating element (44). The system includes a controller configured for providing and regulating electric current to the heating element (44). The controller also includes a pressure sensor for regulating the pressure in the distensible bladder (27). Pressure and temperature displays (560, 570), and other operator controls are located on the controller unit (30). The method for performing endometrial ablation comprises inserting the distensible bladder (27) and a portion of the tubular member (3) into a uterus (6) of a patient. The inflation medium (25) within the distensible bladder (27) is heated by providing electric current to the resistive wire (47) of the heating element (44). The inflation medium (25) within the distensible bladder (27) is heated to a desired temperature, and temperature and pressure within the distensible bladder (27) are maintained for a desired time interval. The distensible bladder (27) is then deflated and removed from the uterus (6). |
