Echogenic needle for transvaginal ultrasound directed reduction of uterine fibroids and an associated method

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

SERIAL NO

11142952

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

The invention is a transvaginal ultrasound probe having an attached echogenic needle that is useful in the treatment of uterine fibroids. The echogenic needle has an echogenic surface near its tip that allows the physician to visualize its location using ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, the needle has an active electrode at its distal end. The active electrode supplies radio frequency energy to a fibroids causing necrosis of the targeted fibroid or by destroying the fibroid's vascular supply. The radio frequency needle preferably has a safety device that shuts-off energy if the needle punctures the uterine wall. In a second embodiment, the needle has a cryogen supply tube and cryogen supply. This embodiment destroys fibroid tissue by freezing it or its vascular supply when the tissue comes in contact with the needle's frozen distal end. The invention further includes the method of using the ultrasound probe with the attached needle.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG HOSPITAL AUTHORITY D/B/A CAROLINAS MEDICAL CENTERP O BOX 32861 CHARLOTTE NC 28232-2861

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Hurst, Bradley Shawn Charlotte, NC 2 276

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation