초록 ▼

A multifunctional device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the multifunctional device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal. The multifunction

A multifunctional device for use in an endoscopically performed operative procedure of the type where a narrow portal is established through the skin to provide access to an operative site and the multifunctional device is introduced to the operative site through the narrow portal. The multifunctional device is formed of an absorbent material, preferably expandable, having a substantially rigid dry state prior to introduction to the operative site and a soft, flexible wet state after absorbing fluids. The absorbent material can be formed with a spine therein of either a continuous or a discontinuous, segmented construction, and the spine can be branched and tubular or solid. The absorbent material can have portions or segments thereof expandable to different sizes to produce rounded protuberances to facilitate manipulation at the operative site and can have predetermined, non-straight configurations in the wet state, the predetermined configurations being controlled by the spine in the absorbent material or the method of forming the absorbent material. The multifunctional device can have a passage therethrough to accommodate laser, electrosurgical, biopsy or culturing instruments.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of ablating portions of a uterus, comprising the steps of:inserting a sponge body into the uterus while the sponge body is in a compacted state;expanding the sponge body to an expanded state after said inserting step; andtransferring energy between portions of

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of ablating portions of a uterus, comprising the steps of:inserting a sponge body into the uterus while the sponge body is in a compacted state;expanding the sponge body to an expanded state after said inserting step; andtransferring energy between portions of the uterus and the sponge body with an ablation mechanism.