Apparatus and methods for performing non-invasive vasectomies

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for performing non-invasive vasectomies are provided. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body defining a recess and an ultrasonic transducer disposed adjacent said recess and adapted to emit ultrasonic energy into said recess. A tissue clamp is removeably disposed in the recess and is adapted to receive parallel sections of a scrotum that include a portion of the vas deferens. The clamp is further adapted to position the vas deferens within an effective distance of the ultrasonic transducer. Also, the apparatus includes means for retaining the parallel sections and the vas deferens within the clamp during a procedure.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . A method of performing a non-invasive disruption of a portion of a vas deferens of an individual, the method comprising: 
 providing an apparatus comprising a main body defining a recess, a first ultrasonic transducer disposed adjacent said recess and adapted to emit ultrasonic energy into said recess, a tissue clamp removeably disposed in said recess and defining a throat region adapted to receive paralle sections of a scrotum of the individual that include the portion of the vas deferens, said tissue clamp adapted to position the portion of the vas deferens within an effective distance of said first ultrasonic transducer, and means for retaining the parallel sections and the portion of the vas deferens within said throat region;    placing the parallel sections within said throat region;    activating said means for retaining;    verifying the position of the portion of the vas deferens relative to said ultrasonic transducer; and    energizing said ultrasonic transducer such that ultrasonic energy is delivered to the portion of the vas deferens.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising verifying disruption of the portion of the vas deferens by viewing an image of the portion of the vas deferens that is based on ultrasonic energy delivered to the portion of the vas deferens.