| abstract |
Devices, systems and methods for occluding blood vessels include a deployable constrictor (14) having opposed pressure-applying portions, a delivery shaft (16) configured to intravaginally advance the constrictor to the patient's cervix, a location sensor (20) configured to detect a blood vessel, a deployment member (18) for deploying the constrictor about the patient's cervix, and optionally a guide. The constrictor has a first configuration to receive a cervix and a second configuration to apply pressure to the cervical area to occlude a uterine artery by compression from the pressure-applying members. The pressure-applying members may be released from the cervix after a limited therapeutically effective time. The invention finds use in, for example, treating uterine disorders and conditions, which may be treated by occlusion of the uterine arteries, such as uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, post-partum hemorrhage, and bleeding associated with caesarian sections. |