BIPOLAR/MONOPOLAR ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION DEVICE AND METHOD

摘要

This invention is an endometrial ablation device and a method of manufacturing and using the device. An RF current is passed through an endometrium (22) to heat it. An electro-conductive expandable member such as a balloon (10) is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium (22). The power delivered from a power source to the balloon (10) is selectively provided to a plurality of electrode area segments (34) on the balloon (10) with each of the segments (34) having a thermistor (32) associated with it whereby temperature is monitored and controlled by a feedback arrangement from the thermistors (32). The method of manufacturing the ablation device includes using commercially available stretchable sheet material or providing a mandrel (324) or support base (352) and coating the mandrel or base with an uncured emulsion. The emulsion is then cured to form a bladder-like coating, which is thereafter removed from the mandrel or base to form a bladder (320).