System for performing intrastromalabdominal hysterectomy as bloodless nerve sparing method

Abstract

An apparatus and procedure for defining the area for a thermo-electric knife to perform a bloodless intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure while minimizing damage to the pericervical ring. The apparatus is configured to be inserted into the center cavity of the cervix and uterus to engage the uterine wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate member having a first end configured to extend into the center cavity of the uterus and cervix, and a thermo-electric knife guide plate secured concentrically to the elongate member proximal to the second end of the member to define the area for dissection of connective tissue between the cervix and the pericervical ring by a thermo-electric knife.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for performing a bloodless intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure while minimizing damage to the pericervical ring, the system configured to be inserted into the center cavity of the cervix and uterus to engage the uterine wall, the system comprising:
 a thermoelectric knife, configured to dissect connective tissue of the uterus from the pericervical ring;   an elongate member, proximate the thermoelectric knife having a first end and second end, the first end configured to extend into the center cavity of the uterus and cervix;   a thermo-electric knife guide plate secured concentrically to the elongate member proximal to the second end of the member to define the area for dissection of the connective tissue between the cervix and the pericervical ring by the thermo-electric knife;   a barb secured to the elongate member between the first end and the guide plate, the barb configured to engage the uterine wall so that upon removal of the apparatus when in use the barb becomes attached to the uterus sufficient to remove the uterus and cervix through the abdomen; and   at least one aperture in the guide plate is configured to permit the passage therethrough of a centering tube when in use, whereby the apparatus is configured to stabilize the thermo-electric knife during intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the second end is generally square to facilitate engagement by forceps or clamps to facilitate removal of the apparatus and the uterus upon completion of the intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the second end is generally square with at least a single concentric ridge to facilitate engagement by forceps or clamps to facilitate removal of the apparatus and the uterus upon completion of the intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure.