Tissue resecting device and methods

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for resecting tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a tissue resecting device may comprise an elongated structure having a longitudinal axis, the elongated structure comprising an outer sleeve with a distal window configured to receive uterine polyp tissue and an inner sleeve configured to move between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the window. In some further embodiments, the device may also comprise an electrode element coupled to the inner sleeve. In some even further embodiments, the device may include an insulative layer covering at least a portion of the inner sleeve, wherein the tissue resecting device is configured to fail when used to resect tissue more fibrous than uterine polyp tissue.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A tissue resecting device for resecting uterine polyps comprising:
 an elongated structure having a longitudinal axis, the elongated structure comprising an outer sleeve with a distal window configured to receive uterine polyp tissue and an inner sleeve configured to move between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the window;   an electrode element coupled to the inner sleeve; and   an insulative layer covering at least a portion of the inner sleeve;   wherein the tissue resecting device is configured to fail when used to resect tissue more fibrous than uterine polyp tissue.   
     
     
         2 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 1 , wherein when the tissue resecting device fails, the insulative material peels back from the inner sleeve. 
     
     
         3 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 1 , wherein the insulative layer is bonded directly to the electrode element. 
     
     
         4 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 1 , wherein the distal window has a longitudinal length of between about 5 mm and about 10 mm. 
     
     
         5 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 1 , wherein the distal window has a longitudinal length of about 8 mm. 
     
     
         6 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 1 , wherein the insulative material comprises fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP). 
     
     
         7 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner sleeve comprises 304 stainless steel. 
     
     
         8 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 1 , wherein the insulative layer has a thickness of between about 0.0127 mm and about 0.038 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 1 , wherein the insulative layer is configured to detach from the electrode component after a predetermined period of activation of the tissue resecting device. 
     
     
         10 . A tissue resecting device for resecting uterine polyp tissue comprising:
 an elongated assembly comprising concentric outer and inner sleeves extending along an axis, the inner sleeve comprising an electrode element;   a tissue-receiving window in the outer sleeve; and   insulative material disposed about at least a portion of the inner sleeve,   wherein the insulative material is configured to detach from the inner sleeve when the tissue resecting device is used to resect tissue having a greater fibrosity than uterine polyp tissue.   
     
     
         11 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 10 , wherein the electrode element comprises at least a portion of the inner sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 10 , wherein the insulative material is attached to the electrode element. 
     
     
         13 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 10 , wherein the tissue-receiving window has a longitudinal length of between about 5 mm and about 10 mm. 
     
     
         14 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 10 , wherein the tissue-receiving window has a longitudinal length of about 8 mm. 
     
     
         15 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 10 , wherein the insulative material comprises fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP). 
     
     
         16 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 10 , wherein the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve, and the tissue-receiving window are configured for resecting uterine polyp tissue. 
     
     
         17 . The tissue resecting device of  claim 10 , further comprising insulative material disposed along at least a portion of an inner surface of the outer sleeve. 
     
     
         18 . A medical device system, the system comprising:
 an elongated probe comprising:   an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve, the outer sleeve including a window disposed proximate a distal end of the outer sleeve,   an electrode element disposed proximate a distal end of the inner sleeve, and   an insulative layer bonded to the inner sleeve and insulating the inner sleeve from the outer sleeve,   wherein the insulative layer is configured to peel away from the inner sleeve when the elongated probe is used to resect uterine fibroids;   a motor for reciprocating the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve; and   an RF generator for delivering energy through the electrode element to resect tissue.   
     
     
         19 . The medical device system of  claim 18 , wherein the insulative layer is attached to at least a portion of the electrode element. 
     
     
         20 . The medical device system of  claim 18 , wherein the window has a longitudinal length of between about 5 mm and about 10 mm.