| abstract |
A catheter device with disposable bladder is provided for intrauterine use and comprises a reusable introducer, a disposable bladder subassembly, a liquid source for pressurizing the bladder with a liquid, and a heater for heating the liquid enclosed within the bladder to a desired treatment temperature. The reusable introducer includes a catheter with a proximal end portion thereof carrying the heater. The disposable bladder subassembly includes a distendable balloon that terminates in a hollow, elongated rigid sleeve. A contact seal exists between the disposable balloon and the introducer. The device is especially well suited for effecting necrosis of substantially all of the tissue lining human uterus, and is specifically configured for intrauterine use. |