Methods and devices for fallopian tube diagnostics

Abstract

Methods and devices for performing minimally invasive procedures useful for Fallopian tube diagnostics are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the proximal os of the Fallopian tube is accessed via an intrauterine approach; an introducer catheter is advanced to cannulate and form a fluid tight seal with the proximal os of the Fallopian tube; a second catheter inside the introducer catheter is provided to track the length of the Fallopian tube and out into the abdominal cavity; a balloon at the end of the second catheter is inflated and the second catheter is retracted until the balloon seals the distal os of the Fallopian tube; irrigation is performed substantially over the length of the Fallopian tube; and the irrigation fluid is recovered for cytology or cell analysis.

1 . A catheter comprising:
 a tube having a proximal end and a distal end;   a balloon having a distal end secured to the distal end of the tube at a proximal end of the balloon, the balloon having a length, and the balloon being adapted to evert from an inverted position to a longitudinally extended everted position in a patent; and   an expanding portion disposed at the distal end of the balloon, the expanding portion positioned inside the balloon when the balloon is in the inverted position and the expanding portion expanding and extending beyond a distal end of the balloon when the balloon everts from the inverted position to the everted position.   
     
     
         2 . The catheter of  claim 1 , further comprising a pressurized fluid source in selective communication with the balloon. 
     
     
         3 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the expanding portion has an outer surface configured to collect and retain cells from a patient. 
     
     
         4 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the expanding portion comprises a sponge. 
     
     
         5 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the expanding portion comprises an inflatable balloon. 
     
     
         6 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the expanding portion comprises an expandable filament. 
     
     
         7 . The catheter of  claim 6 , wherein the expandable filament is a spiral filament. 
     
     
         8 . The catheter of  claim 6 , wherein the expandable filament is a balled filament. 
     
     
         9 . The catheter of  claim 6 , wherein the expandable filament is bristled. 
     
     
         10 . The catheter of  claim 6 , comprising a plurality of the expandable filaments. 
     
     
         11 . The catheter of  claim 6 , wherein the expandable filament is an elastic filament that gathers into a three-dimensional structure upon balloon eversion. 
     
     
         12 . The catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the expanding portion comprises a compressed plastic foam that expands upon release into a wet environment. 
     
     
         13 . A diagnostic device, comprising:
 a tube having a proximal end and a distal end; and   a balloon having a proximal end and a distal end, the balloon being coupled to the distal end of the tube at the proximal end of the balloon, the balloon being movable between a first inverted position and a second everted position in a patient; and   an expandable filament disposed at the distal end of the balloon, wherein the expandable filament has a constrained first configuration in the first inverted position of the balloon and an expanded second configuration in the second everted position of the balloon.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising a pressurized fluid source in selective communication with the balloon. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the expandable filament has an outer surface configured to collect and retain cells from a patient. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the expandable filament is a spiral filament. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the expandable filament is a balled filament. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the expandable filament is bristled. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 16 , comprising a plurality of expandable filaments. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the expandable filament is an elastic filament that gathers into a three-dimensional structure upon balloon eversion.