The endometrial ablator : a new instrument

A thermal balloon and control system designed to produce endometrial ablation blindly is described. A latex balloon on a plastic catheter is inserted into the uterus and connected to a control unit. The unit monitors the pressure and temperature of 5% dextrose in water, which has been injected into the balloon to make it conform to the size and shape of the endometrial cavity. The balloon contains a shielded heating element that is activated to heat the liquid in the balloon to a temperature of 92C. The pressure control deactivates the heating element if the pressure falls below 45 mmHg or rises above 165 mmHg. A timer controls and measures the elapsed interval of heating. The device was tested in human uterine specimens for the potential for uterine perforation, uterine rupture, and thermal effects