Lumen occlusion detection

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed to detect or verify fallopian tube occlusion. Devices include an elongated body a continuous open space extending between proximal and distal openings, a first pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or fluid flow within the continuous open space, at least one seal member protruding from the outer wall of the elongated body, and a second pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or flow meter within a space created by the at least one seal member.

1 . A device comprising:
 an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a continuous open space extending between the proximal opening and the distal opening;   a first pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure within said continuous open space;   at least one seal member protruding radially from the outer wall of said elongated body, said seal member extending at least partially around the outer wall of said elongated body;   a second pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure within a space created by said at least one seal member.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first pressure sensor and said second pressure sensor comprises a transducer. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one seal member comprises two o-ring shaped members. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one seal member comprises an inflatable structure. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one seal member comprises two seal members protruding radially from the outer wall of said elongated body, and said second pressure sensor is located at a position between said seal members. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one seal member extends a distance of between about 3 mm and about 10 mm from the outer wall of said elongated body. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one seal member extends completely around the outer wall of said elongated body. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a source of fluid for delivery through said continuous open space. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said fluid is delivered at a pressure within the range of 180 to 220 mm Hg. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said fluid comprises a gas. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said gas comprises carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said fluid comprises saline. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said fluid comprises an isotonic solution. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said fluid comprises a non-ionic solution. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a branch line extending from said elongated body, said branch line comprising a lumen in fluid communication with said continuous open space. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a distal portion of said elongated body comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a distal portion of said elongated body is steerable. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a distal portion of said elongated body is pre-formed into a curved configuration. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising means for detecting contact between said at least one seal member and bodily tissue. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an alarm adapted to be triggered upon achieving a predetermined pressure measured by said second pressure transducer. 
     
     
         21 . A device comprising:
 an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a continuous open space extending between the proximal opening and the distal opening;   a first pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure within said continuous open space;   two seal members protruding radially from the outer wall of said elongated body, each said seal member extending completely around the outer wall of said elongated body;   a second pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure within a space created by said at least one seal member.   
     
     
         22 . A device comprising:
 an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a continuous open space extending between the proximal opening and the distal opening;   a first flow meter configured to measure a fluid flow within said continuous open space;   at least one seal member protruding radially from the outer wall of said elongated body, said seal member extending at least partially around the outer wall of said elongated body;   a second flow meter configured to measure a fluid flow within a space created by said at least one seal member.