| abstract |
A percutaneous vasectomy method is disclosed which involves closing the vas deferens of a male patient without incising the patient's scrotum. The method comprises the steps of inserting a sharp-tipped needle having a first predetermined diameter into the scrotum of the male patient and through a wall of the vas deferens, the insertion forming a passageway from the surface of the scrotum to the interior of the vas deferens; removing the sharp-tipped needle from the vas deferens and the scrotum; inserting a blunt-tipped needle having a second predetermined diameter, less than the first predetermined diameter, through the passageway and into the interior of the vas deferens; activating a cauterizing element which includes the blunt-tipped needle for a selected period of time to cauterize and thereby close the vas deferens to sterilize the male patient; and removing the blunt-tipped needle from the vas deferens and scrotum. |