Contraceptive transcervical fallopian tube occlusion devices and methods

Abstract

The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A contraceptive or sterilization device for occluding a reproductive body lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells therethrough, comprising: 
 a) a tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therein, which is at least in part expandable within the reproductive body lumen from a first configuration to a second larger configuration; and    b) a mesh member connected to the tubular member, which is permeable to allow for tissue ingrowth to thereby occlude the reproductive body lumen.    
     
     
         2 . A contraceptive device installed within a lumen of the patient's reproductive system, comprising 
 a) a tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therein, and having at least a portion thereof which is secured to a body wall portion defining at least in part the lumen of the patient's reproductive system; and    b) an occluding member connected to the tubular member comprising an epithelialized mesh which occludes the lumen of the patient's reproductive system sufficiently to prevent the passage of reproductive cells therethrough.    
     
     
         3 . A contraceptive system, comprising 
 a) a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending at least in part therein; and    b) a contraceptive device releasably connected to the catheter, having a tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therein, which is at least in part expandable within the reproductive body lumen from a first configuration to a second larger configuration, and having a mesh member connected to the tubular member, which is permeable to allow for tissue ingrowth to thereby occlude the reproductive body lumen.    
     
     
         4 . A method of contraception comprising the steps of: 
 a) inserting within a desired body lumen a contraceptive device comprising a tubular member and a mesh member connected thereto;    b) expanding the tubular member within the body lumen;    c) securing the expanded tubular member to a wall portion defining at least in part the body lumen; and    d) epithelializing the mesh member to occlude the body lumen.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the step of expanding the tubular member comprises the step of releasing a radially compressive force on the tubular member.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the contraceptive device is disposed within a lumen of a delivery catheter, and the step of releasing the radially compressive force comprises longitudinally displacing the tubular member out a distal end of the delivery catheter.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the expanded tubular member is disposed within the body lumen for sufficient time for it to be epithelialized within the body lumen and thereby secured to the wall portion.  
     
     
         8 . A contraceptive or sterilization device for occluding a fallopian tube to inhibit conception, comprising: 
 a) a tubular structure having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therein, the tubular structure expandable within the fallopian tube from a first configuration to a second larger configuration; and    b) a tissue ingrowth element connected to the tubular structure, the tissue ingrowth element porous to allow for tissue ingrowth to thereby occlude the fallopian tube.    
     
     
         9 . A contraceptive device installed within a patient's fallopian tube, comprising 
 a) a tubular structure having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therein, and having at least a portion thereof which is secured to a tubal wall portion of the patient's fallopian tube; and    b) a tissue ingrowth element connected to the tubular structure comprising a porous matial with tissue ingrowth therein which occludes the patient's fallopian tube sufficiently to disrupt conception.    
     
     
         10 . A contraceptive system, comprising 
 a) a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therein; and    b) a contraceptive device releasably connected to the catheter, having a tubular structure having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therein, which is expandable within the reproductive body lumen from a first configuration to a second larger configuration, and having a tissue ingrowth element connected to the tubular structure, which is porous to allow for tissue ingrowth to thereby occlude the reproductive body lumen.    
     
     
         11 . A method of contraception comprising the steps of: 
 a) inserting within a fallopian tube a contraceptive device comprising a tubular structure and a tissue ingrowth element connected thereto;    b) expanding the tubular structure within the body lumen;    c) securing the expanded tubular member to a wall portion defining, at least in part the fallopian tube; and    d) effecting tissue ingrowth into the tissue ingrowth element to occlude the body lumen.