An intra-uterine monitoring system is described. The system comprises an implantable sensor device, shaped and dimensioned for implantation in a uterus for measuring conditions within the uterus to generate sensor data, and a wearable receiver device, for wirelessly receiving the sensor data generated by the implantable sensor device. In this way, real-time, in-vivo monitoring of the intra-uterine environment can be performed. The implantable sensor device can be kept small and simple, requiring only the mechanical and electronic structures necessary to take sensor measurements and transmit those to the receiver device. By making the receiver device wearable, it can be kept in relatively close proximity to the implantable sensor device on a long-term basis, making regular monitoring viable.

Methods for biomechanical mapping of the female pelvic floor may include the steps of inserting a vaginal tactile imaging probe into vagina; recording tactile responses for vaginal walls during vaginal wall deformation by moving a probe as well as dynamic pressure patterns during voluntary or involuntary muscle contractions in multiple test procedures; followed by calculating multiple biomechanical parameters characterizing vaginal tissue elasticity, pelvic support structures and dynamic pelvic functions. Individual biomechanical parameters may be visually represented by positioning their value within the established physiological parameter ranges varying from normal to diseased conditions. The methods may be used for identification of pelvic floor tissues with low elasticity, deteriorated or damaged pelvic support muscles and ligaments, and muscles with low contractive capability. Other methods include the steps of collecting clinical history and completing gynecological examinations of the pelvic floor and calculating probabilities of treatment success for pelvic diseases depending on a proposed treatment using a predictive mathematical model.

The invention is generally a system, apparatus, and method for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine pressure without rupturing the amniotic sac. A catheter is coupled to a pressure sensing module. The pressure sensing module is configured with a chamber that is in fluid communication with a balloon of the catheter. The chamber includes a pressure-sensing membrane coupled to sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry is configured to detect a pressure applied to the pressure-sensing membrane and communicate the condition to a monitor of the system. Methods include inserting the catheter through the cervix so that the balloon may be inflated and situated in the lower segment of the uterus, resting against the amniotic sac. Because the balloon of the catheter is in fluid communication with the pressure-sensing membrane, pulsations of the amniotic sac will be sensed by the sensing circuitry of the pressure sensing module.

A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI) are common, often distressing conditions, where, at present, physical non-surgical devices are fitted by best guess or trial-and-error with devices offered in a range of standard designs and sizes. However, each user is unique and accordingly methods, systems and devices providing a personal pelvic health characterization and provisioning approach are outlined that factor user specific anatomy and physiology, user lifestyle, user experiences and automated assessments into provisioning custom vaginal therapeutic devices. Further, user specific anatomy and physiology should be obtained in a reproducible manner with devices and systems that remove measurement artifacts, errors, bias etc. whilst providing the patient with an improved experience and the medical personnel with ergonomic, efficient, and easy to use systems exploiting combinations of dedicated multi-patient measurement equipment with user specific consumable items for cleanliness etc.

A system includes an endoscope configured for insertion into an internal body cavity and a fluid management system. The fluid management system includes a pump configured to pump fluid through the endoscope into the internal body cavity and a controller configured to determine a pressure within the internal body cavity based upon a current feedback signal received from the pump. A method includes supplying a drive signal to a pump to pump fluid into an internal body cavity, receiving a current feedback signal from the pump, and determining a pressure within the internal body cavity based on the current feedback signal.

A system for treating uterine tissue comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between said proximal and distal ends. An energy applicator at the distal end of the elongated shaft is actuatable between a non-expanded shape to be inserted through a patient's cervical canal and an expanded shape to conform to the walls of the patient's uterus. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the elongated shaft. The handle may include first and second moveable grips coupled to actuate the energy applicator with an upper spring and a lower spring disposed to urge the first and second moveable grips to move apart. An inflatable seal may be located at a distal end of the elongated shaft with a thermally insulating sleeve disposed over the elongated shaft proximal to the inflatable seal. An extension member may be coupled to axially advance and retract the extension member and have a central passage to removably receive an endoscope to enable viewing through the transparent portion of the energy applicator. Alternatively, a tubular sheath may be coupled to the elongated shaft to removably receive an endoscope to enable forward viewing from a location near the distal end of the energy applicator.

A system for augmenting uterine forces includes a medical apparatus having a balloon body that transitions between a compacted state and an expanded state, a catheter that receives the medical apparatus and obtains electrical signals indicative of intrinsic uterine contractions, and a controller coupled to the catheter to receive the electrical signals, and to a source of an agent. The controller processes the electrical signals to detect an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction, an increase in uterine contraction forces, or a decrease in uterine contraction forces. In response to a detection of an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction or an increase in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes an agent to be delivered from the agent source to the balloon body to expand the balloon body. In response to a detection of a decrease in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes agent to discharge from the balloon body to collapse the balloon body.

An intrauterine balloon apparatus to augment uterine birthing forces and assist fetal descent during parturition is provided. The body of the balloon apparatus begins packaged in a compressed state minimizing volume, enabling delivery through the birth canal. The apparatus is advanced to a proximal uterine location and deployed for operation by introducing a pressurized agent through its conduit, causing the body to expand and apply directional forces towards the infant and birth canal. The balloon body is shaped to apply pressures dispersed towards the infant and the bidirectional conduit enables fluid conduction as the infant descends. After the infant has successfully descended and been delivered through the birth canal, pressure within the balloon body is relieved through the conduit thereby collapsing the volume of the balloon body and enabling retraction through the birth canal.

A method and system of providing therapy to a patient's uterus is provided, which can include any number of features. The method can include the steps of inserting a uterine device into the uterus and performing a uterine integrity test to determine that the uterus is intact and not perforated. If it is determined that the uterus is not perforated, a patency test can be performed to determine that the uterine device is not clogged or embedded in tissue. If the uterus is intact and the device is not clogged or embedded in tissue, the uterus can be treated with the uterine device, e.g., uterine ablation. Systems for performing these methods are also disclosed.