US3875939A - Single stroke dispensing method - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid dispensing instrument and method for placing a drug material in the uterine cavity and moving the drug material from the uterine cavity to the canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female primate. The instrument has an elongated probe carrying an expandable sleeve. A housing connected to the probe has piston and cylinder structure connected with a first drive linkage to a movable actuator. A container storing the drug material is located in the housing. A second drive linkage connects the actuator with a plunger operable to move the container onto a needle and force the drug material through the probe and into the uterine cavity. The actuator is continuously moved into the housing to initially partially expand the sleeve member to displace part of the uterine cavity. Further movement of the actuator dispenses the drug material from the probe into the uterine cavity. Continued movement of the actuator fully expands the sleeve member to displace the entire uterine cavity and pump the drug material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. After the sleeve member is contracted by releasing the fluid pressure applied thereto, the probe is removed from the uterine cavity.

Description

United States Patent Bolduc et al.

[ 1 SINGLE STROKE DISPENSING METHOD [75] Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Minneapolis; Eugene A. Dickhudt, St. Paul, both of Minn.

[73] Assignee: Population Research Incorporated,

Minneapolis, Minn.

[22] Filed: Jan. 31, i974 [2|] Appl. No.: 438,202

(52] U.S. Cl 128/235; l28/349 B; l28/260 [5!] Int. Cl A6lm 1/00 [58] Field of Search l28/235, l R, 232, 303,

l28/240, 241, 260, 349, 246 224, l27-l30 {56) References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,805,767 4/l974 Erb l28/l R 3,8 I 7.148 6/l974 Buckles et al. 128/260 OTHER PUBLlCATlONS The Effect of Methyl Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive on the Human Fallopian Tube and Endometrium, by Stevenson et al., Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the British Commonwealth, Nov. 1972, Vol. 79, pp. l028-l039.

Primary E.ruminerRichard A. Gaudet Assislanl E.\'aminer.l. Yasko [Ill 3,875,939

1 Apr. 8, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT A fluid dispensing instrument and method for placing a drug material in the uterine cavity and moving the drug material from the uterine cavity to the canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female primate. The instrument has an elongated probe carrying an expandable sleeve. A housing connected to the probe has piston and cylinder structure connected with a first drive linkage to a movable actuator. A container storing the drug material is located in the housing. A second drive linkage. connects the actuator with a plunger operable to move the container onto a needle and force the drug material through the probe and into the uterine cavity. The actuator is continuously moved into the housing to initially partially expand the sleeve member to displace part of the uterine cavity. Further movement of the actuator dispenses the drug material from the probe into the uterine cavity. Continued movement of the actuator fully expands the sleeve member to displace the entire uterine cavity and pump the drug material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. After the sleeve member is contracted by releasing the fluid pressure applied thereto, the probe is removed from the uterine cavity.

20 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures SINGLE STROKE DISPENSING METHOD BACKGROU ND OF INVENTION Liquid tissue adhesives or glues have been developed which polymerize when applied to moist living tissue. These adhesives have been used for various surgical procedures. both internally and externally. When the tissue adhesives are used. the cells adjacent the adhesives are damaged and eventually replaced with fibrous tissue. Liquid tissue adhesives have been injected into the uterine cavity of a female with a catheter in an effort to occlude the canals of the Fallopian tubes. The tissue adhesives, being sensitive to moisture. will set up in the uterine cavity if it is not quickly placed into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. Extreme pressures cannot be used to rapidly inject the tissue adhesive to the canals as the adhesives may be forced through the canals into the body cavity. The catheters and procedures used with the catheters are not designed to haandle the liquid tissue adhesives and place these adhesives into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. Also, the catheters do not accommodate different sizes, shapes and characteristics of uteri and do not insure that the adhesives are placed in each canal of the Fallopian tubes. Also. the catheters may direct all of the material into one canal so that the excess material is forced through the canal and into the body cavity.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for dispensing a fluid. as a drug material. into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female primate. More specifically. the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for introducing a predetermined amount of tissue adhesive into the canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female from the uterine cavity. The apparatus has an elongated probe having a forward end carrying an ex pandable balloon assembly. A dispensing housing hav ing a single actuator is used to expand the balloon assembly and discharge drug material into the uterine cavity. The dispenser has a first drive assembly operable to initially partially expand the balloon assembly to form a seal and holding structure in the lower portion of the uterine cavity. Continued movement of the actuator discharges the drug material into the uterine cavity above the partially expanded balloon assembly. Further continued movement of the actuator continues the expansion oftl'te balloon assembly to displace the remaining space in the uterine cavity. The balloon assembly expands and forces the drug material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes. Substantially all of the drug material introduced into the uterine cavity is moved by the expanding balloon assembly into the canals of the Fallopian tubes in a short period oftime. When a tissue adhesive is placed in the canals. it reacts with the tissue to polymerize the adhesive and thereby occlude the canals. The tissue adhesive is eventually replaced with scar tissue which permanently occludes the canals. The balloon assembly is contracted whereby it can be readily removed from the uterine cavity by withdrawing the actuator from the housing.

The drug material can be a mixture of materials which set up after they are mixed. Separate drug materials are moved to the discharge end of the dispenser and mixed at the end. The mixture of drug materials is directed into the uterine cavity. The expansion of the balloon assembly forces the mixture of drug materials into the canals of the Fallopian tubes.

An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method of introducing a predetermined minimum amount of drug material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female from the uterine cavity. Another object of the invention is to provide a dispensing apparatus and method which has an actuator movable to discharge tissue adhesives into the uterine cavity and move the tissue adhesives from the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female before the adhesives can set up in the uterine cavity. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for introducing in a short period oftime a controlled amount of drug material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes under low pressure with a single and continuous action on the part of the operator. A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for introducing drug material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes which places a minimum amount of force on the walls of the uterus and can accommodate different sizes, shapes and characteristics of uteri. A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for introducing drug material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes which is not position sensitive and does not apply substantial pressure to the fluid material, whereby the fluid material is not forced into the blood stream or body cavity. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method of introduc ing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes with the balloon assembly subjected to a maximum predetermined pressure to eliminate any over-expansion of the uterus. A still further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for placing drug materials into the canals of the Fallopian tubes which is simple to operate and is used with a minimum of operator manipulative delay. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for mixing separate drug materials, directing the mixed drug materials into the uterine cavity and forcing the mixed drug materials in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. Other objects and advantages of the apparatus and method of the invention are set out in the following specification and accompanying drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a foreshortened sectional view of a reproductive system of a female primate accommodating a dispensing instrument ofthe invention for locating drug material in both canals of the Fallopian tubes;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dispensing assembly of the instrument of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along theline 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a foreshortened sectional view of the female reproductive system accommodating the dispensing in strument shown in section with the balloon assembly partially inflated in the uterine cavity and drug material in the uterine cavity;

FIG. 5 is a foreshortened sectional view similar to FIG. 4 showing the balloon assembly fully expanded in the uterine cavity;

FIG. 6 is a foreshortened plan view, partly sectioned similar to FIG. 4, of a modification of the dispensing instrument; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the discharge end of the dispensing instrument of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing, there is shown in FIG. 1 the dispensing instrument of the invention indicated generally at with the probe located in the uterine cavity of a female primate. The female primate reproductive system shown generally at 21 has auterus 22 joined to a pair ofFallopian tubes 23 and 24. The lower part ofuterus 22 is integral with anelongated vagina 26.Va gina 26 has avaginal cavity 27 having an opening orentrance 28. The opposite end ofvaginal cavity 27 is in communication with thecervix 29.Cervix 29 has acervical opening 31 providing a passage from thevaginal cavity 27 to theuterine cavity 32.Fallopian tubes 23 and 24 open, or haveexits 33A and 34A, to opposite sides of the upper part of theuterine cavity 32.

Thefemale primate uterus 22 is a generally pear shaped, thick walled, hollow organ situated between the bladder and rectum. The uteri of female primates vary in size and shape. Wall thickness, wall strength and sensitivity to pain may vary from female to female. The size and configuration of the uterine cavities can vary. Theuterine cavity 32 is generally flattened and triangular in Shape. Some uteri have cavities that have other shapes.

TheFallopian tubes 23 and 24 are paired, trumpetshaped, muscular members about 12 cm in length which extend from the superior angles of theuterine cavity 32 to the ovaries (not shown). Theoutlets 33A and 34A of thecanals 33 and 34 respectively can vary in position relative to the uterine cavity and relative to each other. Theoutlets 33A and 34A are usually symmetrically opposite each other, as shown in FIG. 1, and their position and proximity are principally related to the uterine size and configuration. Also, the size of thecanals 33 and 34 and the size of theoutlets 33A and 34A vary from female to female.

Fallopian tubes are commonly divided into isthmus, intramural and ampullary sections.Canals 33 and 34 provide passages for the movement of ova from the ovaries to theuterine cavity 32, as well as the movement of sperm from the uterine cavity toward the ovaries. The intramural sections of the Fallopian tubes traverse the uterine wall generally in a more or less straight fashion, but their course may be tortuous in some females. The walls of the Fallopian tubes consist of three layers; the serosal layer, the muscular layer and the mucosal lining.

Uterus 22 has a top wall orfundus 36 andside walls 37 and 38 which surround theuterine cavity 32. The inside oftop wall 36 and the insides ofside walls 37 and 38 have an inside lining ormembrane 39 which is periodically sloughed off in the normal cycle of the female.

Dispensinginstrument 20 has an elongated probe ortubular member 41 having a length sufficient to pass through thevaginal cavity 27 and intouterine cavity 32.Member 41 has alongitudinal passage 42 extended throughout its length. A balloon assembly indicated generally at 43 is mounted on the upper or outer end oftubular member 41.Balloon assembly 43 has a flexible andexpandable sleeve member 44 surrounding the upper end ofprobe 41. Afastener 46, as a collar or thread, attaches the upper end ofsleeve 44 to theprobe 41. Asimilar fastener 47 attaches the opposite end ofsleeve 44 to theprobe 41.Probe 41 has a plurality ofopenings 48 which provide communication between thepassage 42 and achamber 49 within sleevemember Sleeve member 44 is a tubular sheet member of soft and relaxed, flexible and elastic material, as rubber or plastic, which expands with a minimum tension. For example, thin latex rubber having low surface tension is suitable material forsleeve member 44. The low surface tension of the rubber allows the rubber to uniformly expand with relatively low pressure. The material ofsleeve member 44 readily expands to displaceuterine cavity 32 by conforming to the shape of the uterine cavity without applying extreme pressure to localized portions of theuterus walls 37 and 38. Whencavity 32 is fully displaced withsleeve member 44, as shown in FIG. 5,sleeve member 44 is in uniform surface engagement with theinside lining 39. Conventional balloon catheters, being of hard, relatively nonelastic material, do not assume the configuration of the uterine cavity when expanded.

The upper or outer end ofprobe 41 is closed with ahead 51.Head 51 has atransverse passage 52 open to opposite sides ofhead 51. Anelongated tube 53 is secured to thehead 51.Tube 53 extends the length ofprobe 41 and has a passage 54 for carrying a drug material to thetransverse passage 52 which directs the drug material in opposite directions in two portions into the upper section of theuterine cavity 32.Head 51 has a longitudinal section orcap 56 having a top surface or wall adapted to engage the inner wall offundus 36. Thecap 56 spaces thepassage 52 from the inner wall offundus 36.

Referring to FIG. 2, dispensinginstrument 20 has an elongated housing orbody 57 attached to the end ofprobe 41.Body 57 has afirst chamber 58 accommodating anelongated cylinder 59.Cylinder 59 has a forwardly directedneck 61 connected to atube 62.Tube 62 has a passage which is in communication withpassage 42 of theprobe 41 so that fluid, as air, incylinder 59 can flow viapassage 42 intochamber 49 of the balloon assembly and thereby expand thesleeve member 44. The open end ofcylinder 59 is closed with apiston 63 to trap the fluid inchamber 64. Thecylinder 59 has ahole 66 adjacent thepiston 63 to allow air and sterilizing gases to flow into thechamber 64.

Located rearwardly of thepiston 63 is a first drive assembly indicated generally at 67 operable to move thepiston 63 intocylinder 59. Thefirst drive assembly 67 is connected to anactuator 68 projected rearwardly frombody 57.

Thebody 57 has asecond chamber 69 located adjacent one side of thefirst chamber 58. A tube 71 is mounted in thebody 57 to connect thetube 53 tochamber 69. Tube 71 has a longitudinally extendedneedle 72 projected intochamber 69. The opposite end of tube 71 is mounted in a plug 73 closing the end ofprobe 41 and connected to thetube 53 which leads to thehead 51.Chamber 69 has an elongated shape and is open to the top ofbody 57, as shown in FIG. 1. A cylindrical container orampulla 74 is located inchamber 69 in alignment withneedle 72. The forward end ofcontainer 74 has apierceable plug 76 aligned withneedle 72. The open end ofcontainer 74 is closed with aslidable piston 77 to trapdrug material 78 incontainer 74.

A second drive assembly indicated generally at 79 ex tends rearwardly fromcontainer 74 and is drivably connected toactuator 68.Actuator 68 is operable in a single stroke or movement to complete the entire dispensing of drug material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. The rear portion ofhousing 57 has outwardly and oppositely directedflanges 81 and 82 which serve as finger grips during actuation ofactuator 68.Actuator 68 has ahole 83 for accommodating apin 83A to hold theactuator 68 in the inoperative position. Thepin 83A prevents accidental actuation of the dispensing instrument.

Driveassembly 67 is a force-transmitting mechanism operable to movepiston 63 intocylinder 59 and thereby increase the pressure in the fluid system for theballoon assembly 43 and expand thesleeve member 44. Thedrive assembly 67 has a cylinder orsleeve 84 slidably carrying abody 86. The opposite or upper end ofsleeve 84 is attached to ahead 87.Head 87 has acentral hole 88 which provides access intosleeve 84. The outer end ofpiston 63 has a cone-shapedportion 89 to accommodate the cone-shaped outer end ofhead 87. Thehole 88 is aligned with an adjustingscrew 91 threaded intobody 86. The position ofscrew 91 relative tobody 86 can be changed with the use of a tool, as a screwdriver, extended throughhole 88. A pairof springs 92 and 93 bias thesleeve 84 andbody 86 in opposite directions whereby thefirst drive assembly 67 is biased into its elongated position.Spring 92 abuts againsthead 87.Spring 93 rests onscrew 91. Adjusting the position ofscrew 91 adjusts the tension or force of thespring 93 which biases thehead 87 andbody 86 in opposite directions.Screw 91 performs a fine adjustment of the spring force to accommodate variations inspring 93 and to provide for desired fluid pressure inchamber 49. Awasher 94 having a central hole forrod 88 is located betweensprings 92 and 93.Spring 92 is a light or weak spring as compared tospring 93. Theweak spring 92 will compress under a light load. for example 2 3 psi, whereby thewasher 94 will abut againsthead 87. This insures the partial expansion ofsleeve member 44 at low predetermined maximum pressure. The predetermined maximum pressure is determined by the compression force characteristics ofspring 93 and permits the instrument to be used with all shapes and sizes of uteri. as thespring 93 adjusts for the differences in the uteri.

Sleeve 84 andbody 86 are held in assembled relation with apin 96 extended through elongatedlongitudinal slot 97 insleeve 84.Slot 97 permits thesleeve 84 to move relative tobody 86 as thesprings 92 and 93 are compressed.Pin 96 projects throughslot 97 into an elongatedlinear groove 98 in thehousing 57 and thereby prevents rotational movement of thedrive assembly 67 relative to thehousing 57.

Body 86 has atransverse passage 99 accommodating adrive link 101. Thedrive link 101 has spherical members at its opposite ends joined with a transverse member or tube. The first end ofdrive link 101 is located in arecess 102 in the side of theactuator 68.Actuator 68 has asecond recess 103 for accommodating thelink 101. Located belowrecess 103 is ashoulder 104 adapted to engage the end ofbody 86 whenlink 101 is inrecess 103.Housing 57 has arecess 106 adapted to accommodate the opposite or right end ofdrive link 101.Recess 106 is located in a forward direction from the initial position ofdrive link 101, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the actuation of thedrive assembly 67 is temporarily halted or interrupted until the end ofbody 86 engages theshoulder 104, at which time the movement of thedrive assembly 67 is continued. The locations ofrecesses 106 and 121 inhousing 57 can be coordinated with each other so that the initial expansion ofsleeve member 44 overlaps the discharge of drug material into the uterine cavity and the continued expansion ofsleeve member 44. ln this case, thesleeve member 44 has a continuous expansion until thesleeve member 44 has been subjected to the maximum fluid pressure.

A lock unit indicated generally at 107 is movably located in abore 108 inbody 86.Lock unit 107 has aplunger 109 carrying an outwardly directed finger orprojection 110.Finger 110 is adapted to engage one of a plurality of teeth 111 located inhousing 57. The teeth 111face drive assembly 67. Teeth 111 are ratchet teeth which allow only reverse movement of the drive assembly whenlock unit 107 is in operative position with teeth lll.Plunger 109 is biased in an outward direction with aspring 112 located at the base ofbore 108.Sleeve 84 has ahole 113 spaced forwardly fromfinger 110. On compression ofsprings 92 and 93, thebody 86 moves relative tosleeve 84 until thefinger 110 is aligned withhole 113, at whichtime spring 112 will biasfinger 110 throughhole 113 into engagement with one of the teeth 111. This prevents further movement of thedrive assembly 67 in a forward direction and limits the pressure of the fluid in thechamber 49 ofsleeve member 44.

Thesecond drive assembly 79 is operable to drive thecontainer 74 ontoneedle 72 and force thepiston 77 into the container and thereby drive thedrive material 78 throughneedle 72 into thetube 53.Tube 53 carries the fluid to head 51 where it is discharged in opposite directions into the upper portion ofuterine cavity 32. Returning to FIG. 2,second drive assembly 79 has an elongatedlinear plunger 114 slidably located in a longitudinal passage 115 inhousing 57.Plunger 114 has aforward end 116 adapted to engagepiston 77. The opposite end ofplunger 114 has atransverse passage 117. Amovable drive link 118 is located inpassage 117.Link 118 has spherical ends that are connected with a rigid member such as a tube. One end ofdrive link 118 is located in asemi-spherical recess 119 located in the side ofactuator 68. The opposite end ofdrive link 118 rides on the side wall of thehousing 57 forming part of passage 115, thereby retaining the link inrecess 119.Housing 57 has arecess 121 forward of thelink 118 so that thelink 118 will remain in driving relationship withactuator 68 until the link is aligned withrecess 121. At this time thelink 118 will be forced intorecess 121 wherebyactuator 68 will continue to move in a forward direction andplunger 114 will remain stationary.

In use. the dispensinginstrument 20 is packaged withcontainer 74 located in thechamber 69. Theactuator 68 is locked in an inoperative position with apin 83A extended throughhole 83. Thepin 83A engages the end of thehousing 57 to preventactuator 68 from moving into the housing. The entire dispensing instrument is sterilized before it is used.

The operating procedure begins with inserting theballoon assembly 43 into thevaginal cavity 27, throughcervical opening 31 and into theuterine cavity 32 shown in FIG. 1.Sleeve member 44 is in the collapsed condition so that the balloon assembly can be readily positioned in the uterine cavity. Theprobe 41 is moved into the uterine cavity untilhead 51 engages thefundus 36. It is know that uteri can vary in size, shape and position so that the balloon assembly may or may not be symmetrically located relative to theFallopian tubes 23 and 24. As shown in FIG. 1,balloon assembly 43 is centrally located in theuterine cavity 32. In some cases. the balloon assembly may be angularly positioned in the uterine cavity adjacent one side of the cavity. Dispensinginstrument 20 is effective in placing drug material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes regardless of the position of the balloon assembly inuterine cavity 32.

Pin 83A is removed fromhole 83. makingplunger 68 ready to be moved into thehousing 57 to inflate theexpandable sleeve member 44 and dispense drug material into theuterine cavity 32 and then fully expand thesleeve member 44 to pump or force the drug material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. The operator usesflanges 81 and 82 as finger rests so that inwardly directed force can be applied to theactuator 68. As shown in FIG. 4, theactuator 68 has been moved into housing 57 a short distance such that the first drive as sembly has moved thepiston 63 into thecylinder 59. This expands thesleeve member 44 so that it forms a plug or seal in the lower portion of theuterine cavity 32. Thesleeve member 44 is expanded into firm engagement with the inside lining ormembrane 39. Drive link 101 couples actuator 68 to thefirst drive assembly 67 to transmit the motion ofactuator 68 to thedrive assembly 67. This movespiston 63 intochamber 64. The drive link 118 couples plunger 114 withactuator 68 so that the forward 116 of the actuator engages thepiston 77 in thecontainer 74. This moves theentire container 74 in a forward direction. Theneedle 72 pierces plug 76. thereby moving the needle throughplug 76 and into the chamber containing thedrug ma terial 78. Thedrive link 101 is aligned withrecess 106 in thehousing 57. This permits the drive link to move to the right. as shown in FIG. 4, releasing the drive link from theactuator 68. The continued movement of theactuator 68 applies force to plunger 114 which movespiston 77 intocontainer 74.Drug material 78 is forced viatubes 71 and 53 tohead 51. The drug material is discharged in opposite directions via thetransverse passage 52 into the upper part ofuterine cavity 32.

As shown in FIG. 5, the continuedmovement ofactuator 68 places theshoulder 104 in engagement with the bottom of thebody 86. At the sametime drive link 101 moves intorecess 103. thereby releasingdrive link 101 fromrecess 106.Actuator 68 is moved intohousing 57, thereby increasing the pressure in thechamber 64. This further expandssleeve member 44. The expandingsleeve member 44 drives the drug material from the upper portion of the uterine cavity throughexit openings 33A and 34A ofthecanals 33 and 34 of the Fallopian tubes. Thesleeve member 44 continues to expand until the fluid pressure in the system containing the sleeve member andchambers 49 and 64 is approximately 8 psi. Other pressures can be selected as the upper pressure limit. This pressure is determined by the compression characteristics of thesprings 92 and 93 and adjustingscrew 91. The compression ofsprings 92 and 93permits body 86 to move into thesleeve 84. This movement continues untilfinger 110 is aligned withopening 113. Whenfinger 110 andhole 113 are aligned. thespring 112 forces thefinger 110 throughhole 113 and into the space between adjacent teeth 111.Finger 110 anchors on a forward tooth. thereby preventing further movement of theactuator 68 intohousing 57. Sinceactuator 68 is prevented from moving into thehousing 57 bylock unit 107, the pressure in theballoon chamber 49 is limited to a selected maximum pressure. depending on the compression characteristics of thesprings 92 and 93.

As theactuator 68 is moved intohousing 57 from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5.drive link 118 moves fromrecess 119 intorecess 121. This terminates the forward motion ofplunger 114 to stop dispensing of the drug material intouterine cavity 32. The continued movement ofactuator 68 increases the fluid pressure in thechamber 49, thereby expandingsleeve member 44 to pump or push the drug material fromuterine cavity 32 intocanals 33 and 34 of the Fallopian tubes. The pumping action ceases when thesleeve member 44 is fully expanded, as shown in FIG. 5. This locates the drug material in the Fallopian tubes as the pumping force applied to the drug material is insufficient to move the drug material through the Fallopian tubes into the body cavity.

Theactuator 68 is then pulled out ofhousing 57.Drive link 101, being located inrecess 103, provides a drive connection betweenbody 86 andplunger 68. The finger oflock unit 107 slips over the teeth 111. This pulls thepiston 63 out ofchamber 64. The fluid in thechamber 49 flows back intochamber 64, contractingsleeve member 44. This releases thesleeve member 44 from engagement with lining 39 and enables theballoon assembly 43 to be withdrawn from the uterus of the patient.

When drug materials of the cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive type are usedcanals 33 and 34 will be permanently occluded. Tissue adhesives, as the cyanoacrylate type, cause fibroblastic proliferation which in time closes thecanals 33 and 34. The tissue adhesives polymerize when exposed to a hydroxyl ion source, such as water. The cells adjacent the adhesive are damaged and are eventually replaced with fibrous tissue. Certain other tissue adhesives will polymerize in response to body heat or other stimuli.

In terms of method. the dispensing instrument is used to place drug material in both canals of the Fallopian tubes via the uterine cavity. The contracted balloon assembly is initially placed in the uterine cavity, as shown in FIG. 1, by inserting theballoon assembly 43 throughcervical opening 31. Theactuator 68 is then released so that it can be moved intohousing 57. The operator moves thesingle actuator 68 with a continuous movement into thehousing 57 to complete the operation. Thefirst drive assembly 67 andsecond drive assembly 79 are coordinated to sequentially operate to partially expand thesleeve member 44 to displace the lower portion of the uterine cavity and form a seal with the lower walls of the uterine cavity. Theplunger 114 then engages thepiston 77 to force the container ontoneedle 72 and force thedrug material 78 from the container and discharge the drug material in opposite directions into theuterine cavity 32 above the partially expandedsleeve member 44. This operation is shown in FIG. 4. The continued movement ofactuator 68 further expands the partially expandedsleeve member 44 to fully displaceuterine cavity 32. This is done by subjecting thesleeve member 44 to fluid under pressure by moving thepiston 63 intochamber 64. Theactuator 68 will continue to move untillock unit 107 engages one of the teeth 111, thereby preventing further expansion of thesleeve member 44. Thesleeve member 44 can only be subjected to a maximum predetermined pressure so as not to place undue pressure on the walls of the uterus. The expandingsleeve member 44 forces or pumps the drug material that has been discharged into the uterine cavity through theopenings 33A and 34A and into thecanals 33 and 34 of the Fallopian tubes. Thesleeve member 44 is then contracted by relieving the pressure applied thereto. This is done by pulling theactuator 68 out of thehousing 57 so that the fluid can move into thecontainer chamber 64. The instrument is then removed from the uterine cavity via the cervical opening and vaginal passage.

The drug material can be one of a number of fluids or semi-fluids used to test, treat or occlude the canals of the Fallopian tubes. For example, the drug material can be a tissue adhesive. The tissue adhesive can be a cyanoacrylate-type material or like material used as surgical glues. Cyanoacrylate is a liquid plastic which sets up or polymerizes in response to moisture and thereby functions to occlude the canals of the Fallopian tubes. The cyanoacrylates include, but are not limited to, methyl cyanoacrylate, methyl-Z-cyanoacrylate, ethyl cyanoacrylates, n-propyl cyanoacrylates, n-butyl cyanaoacrylates, n-amyl cyanoacyrlates, n hexyl cyanoacrylates. n-heptyl cyanoacrylates, isobutyl-2- cyanoacrylates and n-octyl cyanoacrylates. The drug material can also be of a type that sets up in response to body heat or other stimuli. It may be a type which produces permanent occlusion or of a type which will temporarily block or occlude the canals of the Fallopian tubes. after which the canals may be reopened to resume their normal function. Examples of other drug materials are contraceptive gels, water, silicone elastomers, formaldehyde-type materials and like materials.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a modification of the dispensing instrument indicated generally atA. Dispensing instrument 20A and the female reproductive system associated therewith follow the dispensing instrument shown in FIGS. l-5. Corresponding parts of the instrument and reproductive system have the same reference numerals with the suffix A.

Dispensing instrument 20A uses a two-part drug material which is mixed at the end of the probe as it is forced into the upper part of theuterine cavity 32A. The mixed drug material of thesleeve member 44A to displaceuterine cavity 32A.

Head is mounted on the outer end of the probe ortubular member 41A. Thehead 251 has atransverse passage 252 having oppositely directed discharge openings for directing the drug material in two parts into the upper part of theuterine cavity 32A. Afirst tube 253 and asecond tube 254 are connected to the head 25]. The head has a mixing chamber orpassage 255 in fluid communication with the passages of thetubes 253 and 254 and thetransverse passage 252. The drug materials flow through thetubes 253 and 254 and are mixed inchamber 255. The mixing continues as the drug materials are separated and forced in opposite directions inpassage 252, as indicated by the arrows.

Housing 57A has a pair ofchambers 256 locatedadjacent chamber 58A for accommodating a pair of ampullae orcontainers 257 and 259.Container 257 stores afirst drug material 258.Container 259 stores asecond drug material 260. Afirst piston 261 is slidably located incontainer 257. in a similar manner apiston 262 is slidably located incontainer 259.Plunger 114A of thesecond drive assembly 79A has a bifurcated end forming a pair offingers 263 and 264.Finger 263 is positioned incontainer 257 and engagespiston 261.Finger 264 is located incontainer 259 and engagespiston 262. Thetubes 253 and 254 extend intohousing 57A and terminate inneedles 266 and 267.Needles 266 and 267 are in alignment with the pierceable end portions ofcontainers 257 and 259.

On actuation of thesingle actuator 68A. thefirst drive assembly 67A will operate to initially expand thesleeve member 44A to fill and seal the lower portion of theuterine cavity 32A. Continued movement ofactuator 68A will engage thesecond drive assembly 79A to move thefingers 263 and 264.Plunger 114A moves in a forward or upward direction, as shown in FIG. 6, to drive thecontainers 257 and 259 ontoneedles 266 and 267, respectively. Thefingers 263 and 264, being in engagement with the pistons 26] and 262, simultaneously force thedrug materials 258 and 269 through thetubes 254 and 253. The drug materials are simultaneously discharged into the mixingchamber 255. Substantially the same amount of drug materials is introduced into the mixingchamber 255 so that the mixture of drug materials contains about 50 percent of the first drug material and 50 percent of the second drug material. The mixed drug material, indicated at 268 in FIG. 6, is introduced into the upper part ofuterine cavity 32A. Themixed drug material 268 flows in opposite directions in substantially equal amounts. The flow is continuous until the plunger 14A has reached the end of its stroke. At this time the continuous movement of theactuator 68A further expands thesleeve member 44A forcing the mixed drug material into thecanals 33A and 34A of the Fallopian tubes.

Drug materials 258 and 260 can be the type which when mixed will set up to form a semi-rigid plastic material. The mixture can be responsive to moisture in the tissues to set up or responsive to body heat or other factors to set up. The mixture has a reaction time such that it can be introduced intocanals 33A and 34A before it will set up. The following is an example of the materials of the two-part drug material. The two-part drug materials may be two-part epoxies. two-part tissue adhesives, silicone RTV, or a polymer consisting of Dow Corning Silastic 382 Medical Elastomer and 360 Medi cal Fluid. It is understood that other types of drug materials that are mixed and set up can be used. Furthermore, the ratio of the drug materials can be varied by increasing the size of one of the containers. For example, two parts of the first drug material can be mixed with one part of the second drug material by using the appropriate size containers in thedispenser housing 57A.

While there have been shown and described preferred embodiments of the dispensing instrument and method of introducing materials into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female. it is understood that various changes in the structure and method may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A method of placing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female open to the uterine cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the uterine cavity in a contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to a fluid pressure, discharging material into the uterine cavity above the expanded sleeve means in opposite lateral directions which separates the material into two portions, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to an increased fluid pressure thereby forcing the material in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, said continuing expansion of the sleeve means moves said two portions of the material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, contracting the sleeve means by reducing the fluid pressure applied thereto, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the uterine cavity.

2. The method ofclaim 1 including: preventing an increase in the fluid pressure applied to the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein: the sleeve means is continuously expanded from the contracted condition to the fully expanded position, and the drug material is introduced into the uterine cavity after initial expansion of the sleeve means.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein: the material is a first material and a second material, said first material and second material being mixed together during the movement ofthe materials before the materials are discharged into the uterine cavity.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein: the sleeve means is partially expanded, the material is discharged into the uterine cavity, and the sleeve means is fully ex panded by a single continuous movement ofa single actuator.

6. A method of placing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes ofa female open to the uterine cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the uterine cavity in a contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to a fluid pressure. discharging a first material and a second material into the uterine cavity above the expanded sleeve means, said first material and second material being mixed together during movement of the materials before the materials are discharged into the uterine cavity. continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to increased fluid pressure thereby forcing the material in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes. contract ing the sleeve means by reducing the fluid pressure applied thereto, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the uterine cavity.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein: the sleeve means is partially expanded, the first material and second material are discharged into the uterine cavity. and the sleeve means is fully expanded by a single continuous movement of a single actuator.

8. The method of claim 6 including: preventing an increase in the fluid pressure applied to the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein: the sleeve means is continuously expanded from the contracted condition to fully expanded position, and the mixed first and second materials are introduced into the uterine cavity after initial expansion of the sleeve means.

[0. A method of placing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes ofa female open to the uterine cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: intro clucing the sleeve means into the uterine cavity in the contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to a fluid pressure by movement of a single actuator, discharging material into the uterine cavity above the expanded sleeve means with continued movement of the single actuator, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to an increased fluid pressure by continuous movement of the single actuator thereby forcing the material in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, contracting the sleeve means by reducing the fluid pressure applied thereto, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the uterine cavity.

11. The method of claim 10 including: preventing an increase in the fluid pressure applied to the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein: the sleeve means is continuously expanded from the contracted condition to the fully expanded position and the material is introduced into the uterine cavity after the initial expansion of the sleeve means by the continuous movement of the single actuator.

13. The method of placing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female open to the uterine cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the uterine cavity in a contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the uterine cavity in response to movement of a single actuator, discharging material into the uterine cavity above the expanded sleeve means in response to further movement of the single actuator, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully dis place the uterine cavity in response to continuing movement of the single actuator thereby forcing the material in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, contracting the sleeve means, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the uterine cavity.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein: the material is discharged into the uterine cavity in opposite lateral directions which separates the material into two portions, said continuing expansion of the sleeve means moves said two portions of the material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes.

15. The method of claim 13 including: preventing an increase ofthe size of the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein: the material is a first material and a second material, said first material and second material being mixed together during the movement of the materials before the materials are dis charged into the uterine cavity.

17. The method of placing material into canals of tubes connected to a structure having a cavity, said canals being open to the cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the cavity in a contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the cavity in response to movement ofa single actuator, discharging material into the cavity above the expanded sleeve means in response to further movement of the single actuator, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the cavity in response to continuing movement of the single actuator thereby forcing the material in the cavity into the canals of the tubes, contracting the increase of the size of the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded 20. The method of claim 17 wherein: the material is a first material and a second material, said first material and second material being mixed together during the movement of the materials before the materials are discharged into the cavity.

Claims (20)

1. A method of placing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female open to the uterine cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the uterine cavity in a contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to a fluid pressure, discharging material into the uterine cavity above the expanded sleeve means in opposite lateral directions which separates the material into two portions, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to an increased fluid pressure thereby forcing the material in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, said continuing expansion of the sleeve means moves said two portions of the material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, contracting the sleeve means by reducing the fluid pressure applied thereto, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the uterine cavity.

2. The method of claim 1 including: preventing an increase in the fluid pressure applied to the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein: the sleeve means is continuously expanded from the contracted condition to the fully expanded position, and the drug material is introduced into the uterine cavity after initial expansion of the sleeve means.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein: the material is a first material and a second material, said first material and second material being mixed together during the movement of the materials before the materials are discharged into the uterine cavity.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein: the sleeve means is partially expanded, the material is discharged into the uterine cavity, and the sleeve means is fully expanded by a single continuous movement of a single actuator.

6. A method of placing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female open to the uterine cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the uterine cavity in a contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to a fluid pressure, discharging a first material and a second material into the uterine cavity above the expanded sleeve means, said first material and second material being mixed together during movement of the materials before the materials are discharged into the uterine cavity, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to increased fluid pressure thereby forcing the material in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, contracting the sleeve means by reducing the fluid pressure applied thereto, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the uterine cavity.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein: the sleeve means is partially expanded, the first material and second material are discharged into the uterine cavity, and the sleeve means is fully expanded by a single continuous movement of a single actuator.

8. The method of claim 6 including: preventing an increase in the fluid pressure applied to the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein: the sleeve means is continuously expanded from the contracted condition to fully expanded position, and the mixed first and second materials are introduced into the uterine cavity after initial expansion of the sleeve means.

10. A method of placing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female open to the uterine cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the uterine cavity in the contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to a fluid pressure by movement of a single actuator, discharging material into the uterine cavity above the expanded sleeve means with continued movement of the single actuator, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the uterine cavity by subjecting the sleeve means to an increased fluid pressure by continuous movement of the single actuator thereby forcing the material in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, contracting the sleeve means by reducing the fluid pressure applied thereto, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the uterine cavity.

11. The method of claim 10 including: preventing an increase in the fluid pressure applied to the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein: the sleeve means is continuously expanded from the contracted condition to the fully expanded position and the material is introduced into the uterine cavity after the initial expansion of the sleeve means by the continuous movement of the single actuator.

13. The method of placing material into both canals of the Fallopian tubes of a female open to the uterine cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the uterine cavity in a contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the uterine cavity in response to movement of a single actuator, discharging material into the uterine cavity above the expanded sleeve means in response to further movement of the single actuator, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the uterine cavity in response to continuing movement of the single actuator thereby forcing the material in the uterine cavity into the canals of the Fallopian tubes, contracting the sleeve means, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the uterine cavity.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein: the material is discharged into the uterine cavity in opposite lateral directions which separates the material into two portions, said continuing expansion of the sleeve means moves said two portions of the material into the canals of the Fallopian tubes.

15. The method of claim 13 including: preventing an increase of the size of the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein: the material is a first material and a second material, said first material and second material being mixed together during the movement of the materials before the materials are discharged into the uterine cavity.

17. The method of placing material into canals of tubes connected to a structure having a cavity, said canals being open to the cavity with an expandable sleeve means comprising: introducing the sleeve means into the cavity in a contracted condition, expanding the sleeve means to displace part of the cavity in response to movement of a single actuator, discharging material into the cavity above the expanded sleeve means in response to further movement of the single actuator, continuing the expansion of the sleeve means to fully displace the cavity in response to continuing movement of the single actuator thereby forcing the material in the cavity into the canals of the tubes, contracting the sleeve means, and removing the contracted sleeve means from the cavity.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein: the material is discharged into the cavity in opposite lateral directions which separates the material into two portions, said continuing expansion of the sleeve means moves said two portions of the material into the canals of the tubes.

19. The method of claim 17 including: preventing an increase of the size of the sleeve means when the sleeve means has been fully expanded.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein: the material is a first material and a second material, said first material and second material being mixed together during the movement of the materials before the materials are discharged into the cavity.

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