Fallopian tube obturating device

Claim 1

A fallopian tube obturator for use in effecting permanent or reversible female sterilization by positioning the same to overlie the lumen of said fallopian tube, said obturator comprising: a main body element including a frusto-conically-shaped member of diameter permitting entry into a fallopian tube, and a radially-extending flange forming a stop means located at a larger end thereof, said frusto-conical member including a tapered through bore, the larger end of which is threaded, said plug element being of correspondingly tapered configuration and having a mating threaded outer surface; whereby the tapered fit between said plug element and said frusto-conical member serves as a guide to facilitate engagement therebetween, and limit the extent of said engagement to a predetermined degree.

Claim 6

The method of effecting reversible female sterilization, comprising the steps of: providing a composite fallopian tube obturator including a main body element having means thereon for engaging tissue bordering said lumen and defining a generally centrally positioned threaded opening overlying the opening to said lumen, and a plug element having threaded means selectively engaged with said opening to close said lumen, said main body element having first tool-engaging means, said plug element having tool-engaging means; providing a composite manipulative tool including a hollow tube having first means engaging said first tool-engaging means, and a shaft disposed within said hollow tube and rotatably and axially movable relative thereto, said shaft having means selectively engaging said second tool-engaging means; engaging said obturator, using said tool whereby said plug element engaged with said main body element overlies and closes the opening to the lumen of a fallopian tube, and removing said plug element, as required, by engaging said first means with said first tool-engaging means on said main body element to hold said main body element in installed position while engaging said means on said shaft with said second tool-engaging means to disengage and remove said plug element with respect to said main body element.

Claim 7

The method of effecting reversible female sterilization, comprising the steps of: providing a composite fallopian tube obturator including a main body element having means thereon for engaging tissue bordering said lumen and defining a generally centrally positioned threaded opening overlying the opening to said lumen, and a plug element having threaded means selectively engaged with said opening to close said lumen, said main body element having first tool-engaging means, said plug element having tool-engaging means; providing a composite manipulative tool including a hollow tube having first means engaging said first tool-engaging means, and a shaft disposed within said hollow tube and rotatably and axially movable relative thereto, said shaft having means selectively engaging said second tool-engaging means; engaging said obturator, using said tool whereby said plug element engaged with said main body element overlies and closes the opening to the lumen of a fallopian tube, and removing said plug element, as required, by engaging said first means with said first tool-engaging means on said main body element to hold said main body element in installed position while engaging said means on said shaft with said second tool-engaging means to disengage and remove said plug element with respect to said main body element.