| abstract |
A surgical device for performing internal ligation of a fallopian tube (31) or other tubular anatomical structure, by application of one ore more ligating bands (41) to a folded portion of the wall of the tubular structure. A method of using the device is also disclosed. The invention method and device may be used for sterilization to prevent undesired pregnancies, or for other medical applications. One embodiment of the device includes an elongated tubular element (21) that is inserted into the fallopian tube, a grasper (51) that extends out of the tubular element (21), grasps the interior of the fallopian tube (31) and retracts into the tubular element in a folded bundle of the fallopian tube tissue; and a pusher balloon (42) for pushing a ligating band (41) from the tip of the tubular element into the tissue bundle. A fold assist mechanism may be included to help evert a section of a fallopian, or other, tube. |